Swimming is a favorite summer past-time. If you own a pool, you are probably looking forward to the warm, sunny weather so you can enjoy swimming with your family. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind if you own a pool. Many injuries occur each year in backyard swimming pools. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 170 children drowned during the summer of 2014. To prevent a tragedy from happening in your pool, consider the following pool safety tips for families.
Supervision
Children should always be supervised when they are in or near a pool. Supervision involves paying full attention to the children swimming. This means that the adult responsible for supervising should not be texting, reading or doing any other activity. Drowning happens quickly and doesn't typically involve cries for help. Instead, drowning is often silent. The best way to prevent a drowning is to have someone focusing on the swimmers at all times.
Inflatables
Inflatables do not prevent drowning and therefore should not replace supervision. Your child can still drown while wearing water wings or floating on a pool noodle. For children who are not strong swimmers, consider staying within arm's length so you can provide assistance quickly if needed.
CPR
If you own a pool, you should be trained in CPR. That way if you encounter a situation in which you need to start resuscitation, you will know what to do. Victims that are treated with CPR immediately are more likely to have a positive outcome.
Swimming Lessons
Enroll your children in swimming lessons as soon as possible. They will learn how to tread water and float. They will also learn important pool safety rules, such as never swimming alone.
A backyard swimming pool provides a fun way to cool off and be active throughout the summer months. Following the above safety tips will help keep your family safe this summer as you enjoy your pool. If you are looking forward to inviting friends over to enjoy the pool with your family, you may want to review the liability coverage of your home insurance policy.
Many home insurance policies include $100,000 of liability. Depending on the type of pool you own (above ground or in-ground) and the features of your pool (diving board, slide etc.), you may want to increase your liability insurance. If a guest is injured while swimming in your pool, the liability insurance can cover medical costs incurred.
Is your pool safe? Call JS Edwards & Sherlock Insurance Agency at (409) 832-7736 for more information on Texas home insurance.