As the temperatures climb and kids finish their virtual learning, your backyard pool is likely to see a lot more action. While you may use your Southwest Florida pool year-round, May is designated Water Safety Month as it traditionally signifies the start of summer in other parts of the country.
And because water safety saves lives, we want to take this time to provide some important reminders and tips for keeping your family safe in your backyard pool.
#1 – Know How To Swim
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating! Start toddler swimming lessons early, and continue lessons until your children are fully capable (and confident!) swimmers. Even older children can benefit from swimming lessons and water safety instruction to learn how to keep younger siblings and friends safe in the water. Infants that are too young for lessons should be in a Coast Guard approved life jacket or flotation device at all times when in or around the pool.
Both children and adults should know basic water safety skills and be able to competently complete these 5 skills:
- Jump in water over their head.
- Return to the surface and tread water.
- Turn in a circle to find an exit.
- Swim 25 yards without stopping.
- Exit from the water without using a ladder.
#2 – Install Pool Security Features
Gates and pool alarms that are integrated into your home security system can alert you if someone accesses the pool or falls in. Whether you choose to get alerts on your phone, or have a physical alarm go off in your home, the warning can give you precious minutes to avert a tragedy.
#3 – Always Supervise Children
This is another common sense reminder, but every year children drown with their parents present in or around the pool. For small children and unconfident swimmers, always keep them within arms reach. This means you are physically in the pool with them and can reach them in a second if necessary. While you may think your older children are confident swimmers, they can quickly become tired or dragged under during play and still require supervision. The main cause of drowning in older children is inadequate supervision and parents having unrealistic expectations of their children’s skills and adherence to safety rules.
#4 – Recognize The Signs Of Drowning
Drowning is not always accompanied by dramatic splashing and gasping. If a person is not making forward progress, is vertical (up and down) in the water but cannot make progress or tread water, or if they are face down and unmoving, get help fast without putting yourself in danger. Learn to recognize all the signs of drowning here.
#5 – Have An Emergency Plan
It’s a good idea to always keep a life preserver on a rope by the pool that children understand is not a toy, but a life saving device. It’s also smart to keep a phone in the pool area at all times. Finally, everyone in your family should know what to do in a drowning emergency:
- Safely remove the person from the water.
- If they’re struggling to breathe or not breathing at all, call 911.
- Administer CPR until help arrives.
Safe And Fun Swimming, From Our Family, To Yours!
Backyard pools are a fantastic way to exercise, play, relax, and connect with your family. At Jackson Pools, we encourage families to install security systems, get toddler swimming lessons, and ensure everyone is a competent swimmer and knows what to do in an emergency, so that you can enjoy every minute in your pool. Safe and happy swimming this summer! If you’re interested in adding a custom pool to your home, call us at (239) 495-6700 or send a message through our website today. Our award-winning designs and top-notch customer service will make your new pool even more enjoyable!
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