Swimming pools are a fun and popular way to beat the heat during the summer
months. When Mother Nature cranks up the temperature, a swimming pool
can provide hours of fun, good exercise, and keep you cool. If you’re
like millions of others around the country, you probably plan on visiting
your local pool or diving in to the one in your own backyard at least
once this summer. However, before you do, it’s important to know
the risks pools can carry and how to avoid them at all costs. Here are
a few important safety tips you and your kids should follow at all times
while at the pool, whether public pool or your own yard.
Stay Away from Drains & Filters
Pools are constantly cycling water through a filtration system to keep
it clean and sanitary for swimming, and this is usually done through drains
found at its deepest point. These drains are required by law to be shielded
by an approved cover, but nonetheless these drains are still risky. The
current of the water flowing into these drains has been found to pull
young children down by their clothes or even longer hair, holding and
trapping them underwater.
If you’re a pool owner, make sure you have these approved covers
installed in your pool, and always make sure young swimmers know to stay
well away from these drains.
Have Lifesaving Equipment Ready
When someone runs into trouble while in the water, acting quickly can save
their life and prevent a serious injury. For this reason, all life-saving
equipment, such as floatation devices or life preservers, should be easily
accessible and in good working conditions at all times. Make sure your
kids know that these devices are not toys and should not be touched except
in an emergency.
Enforce Pool Rules at All Times
Pool rules exist for a reason. Almost everyone has been yelled at by a
lifeguard for running around a pool deck, but this is because a deck can
be extremely slippery when they get wet, and a slippery deck could cause
serious injuries. Likewise, diving into the shallow end of a pool could
cause a serious head or neck injury. Make sure everyone knows which end
of the pool is safe for diving and never let kids go head first where
the water depth is not suitable.
Finally, never allow young kids to swim without supervision, even for just
a moment. Make sure there is always a capable swimmer in the area to supervise.
If you are injured while at a swimming pool, you may be able to hold the
pool operator responsible.
Call the Law Office of James M. Stanley today at (817) 591-4222 to discuss your legal options.