Families love to hang out at the pool in the summer months. Time at the pool can be great fun, great exercise, and is an enjoyable way to pass the time of long summer days. When the proper precautions for poolside safety are taken, happy memories can be made at the pool.

Unfortunately, pool time has proven deadly for many Americans year after year. The CDC reports that from 2005 to 2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings every year, not including boating incidents. That statistic equals about 10 deaths each day. Furthermore, among children aged 1-4, drowning is the most common cause of death in the United States.

These are grim statistics, but injury and death by the pool are preventable. Follow these Top 7 Tips for Poolside Safety, and ensure pool time remains a fun pastime for your family and friends.

Top 7 Tips for Poolside Safety

Tip #1: Know Everyone’s Comfort Level

Everyone has varying comfort levels in the water. Before visiting the pool, be sure to know everyone’s skill level when it comes to swimming. Rough or exhausting pool games and deep water can be hazardous for those who aren’t confident swimmers.

Those who want to improve their swimming skill might find it embarrassing to take swim lessons if they are beyond a certain age. Don’t worry – you are not alone, and you will not regret becoming confident in the water. A good swimmer not only helps themselves, but also ensures the safety of other swimmers – especially younger swimmers who might need assistance making it to the edge of the pool.

If you’re interested in taking swimming lessons or signing your children up for swim lessons, most local YMCA centers have quality and affordable options.

Tip #2: Get CPR Certified

CPR certification courses are offered by colleges and community centers alike. Often, CPR courses are cheap or free and only take 4-5 hours of a Saturday afternoon.

Many pools and beaches remain open without a lifeguard on duty. Signs provide a warning, but what would you do in a dangerous situation?

Knowing CPR as a parent will allow you to save your child, or someone else, from a potentially deadly situation. To be prepared for the worst, get CPR certified.

Tip #3: Always Designate a Supervisor

Did you know it takes less than 5 minutes of submersion to drown? When kids are at the pool, always designate a supervisor. Walk away from your child for a short errand, and you may return to an emergency situation.

Tip #4: Relax, Don’t Run Around

While children love pool games, their excitement often leads them to run around the pool deck. Pool decks can be extremely slippery, and many people suffer slip and fall injuries at pools because they were running around. Encourage your children to walk on the pool deck.

Additionally, teach your children about the notices that are painted or indicated on the pool deck that show how deep the pool is in that location. If the pool is less than 5 feet deep, children should be told not to jump in that part of the pool.

Most community and household pools are too shallow for diving, so encourage kids not to dive in.

Tip #5: Secure Your Pool Area

Most community pools are fenced in. However, household pools are often not. If you have a pool at your home, consider securing it with a fence and a gate that children cannot easily open.

Unsecured pools are a deadly hazard. Often, young children will find their way into the pool without their parents’ or supervisor’s awareness, leading to a deadly situation.

Tip #6: Drink Responsibly

Every adult enjoys a tropical drink or a cold beer by the pool. Even if adults know how to swim, intoxication can hinder their ability. Perhaps more alarming is the idea that intoxication would prevent adults from noticing their children getting into dangerous situations in the pool.

To ensure safety at the pool, keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Tip #7: Bring Safety Equipment

Finally, if an emergency presents itself, you want to be prepared. Bring a floatation device to help a struggling swimmer in an emergency. Often, a drowning person will be so panicked by their situation that they will endanger their rescuer. Having a flotation device for them to grab onto will prevent this situation.

A drowning person who is brought to shore will likely require medical attention. Always have a cell phone on hand to call for help.

Are you or a loved one the victim of a pool accident? Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney at Lamar Law Office, LLC

At Lamar Law Office, Attorney Anita Lamar and staff are dedicated to serving our community. Poolside safety is the goal, but accidents happen. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt or injured by someone’s negligence, call us today to schedule a free consultation.