Top 5 Pool Safety Rules

Having access to a pool is a luxury, especially during the hot summer months can be great fun. However, pools can also be dangerous.

Follow and enforce these top 5 pool safety rules and you can help ensure that the pool is a safe place for everyone.

1. Supervision: Adult supervision is an absolute must for children swimming in a pool. It is best if the adult is in the pool with the child at all times (so they can easily reach them if they are in danger), but a vigilant adult on the pool deck is good too. A certified lifeguard is only recommended to watch 25 swimmers at a time. Be sure that there is adequate supervision provided. Adults shouldn’t swim alone either. Even the best swimmer can cramp up and find themselves in serious danger. Teach children that they cannot be in or around the pool without an adult watching them.
2. Horseplay: Horseplay in the pool can be extremely dangerous. Horseplay increases the chance of unintentional injury which in itself is bad but can be deadly in the water. For example, the game chicken is considered horseplay and can lead to head, neck, and back injuries which can be very dangerous in the water. Dunking is another instance of horseplay that can be deadly. It is very hard to tell when you have held someone underwater for too long and drowning can happen quicker than you think.
3. Sobriety: Ensure that only those who are sober, in every aspect, enjoy the pool. Swimming and enjoying the pool while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be extremely dangerous.
4. Deck Safety: Do not run or allow running on the deck of the pool. The pool deck is often wet and running on a wet surface increases the chance of slips and falls, which can result in minor injuries (cuts and scrapes) to major injuries (contusions, concussions, and lacerations). Keep all glass out of the pool area and off the deck. Broken glass can be hard to see on a wet pool deck and can cause cuts. Do not jump off of deck furniture into the pool. Only jump off of items specifically designed for that purpose.
5. Prevention and Preparedness: Ensure that your pool is surrounded by a fence that can be locked when nobody is at the pool. This will help keep small children from wandering into the pool and danger without adult supervision. Keep a first aid kit by the pool. Keep a life-preserver by the pool that can be thrown to a struggling swimmer.

We know how much fun a pool can be. We also want to make sure that you can safely enjoy your pool. Following these safety rules will help ensure that your pool is a source of fun and not a danger. If we can help you with any of your pool needs, please contact us.

Happy swimming!