Stay Safe Around the Swimming Pool

With warm weather comes fun in the sun and splashing in the swimming pool. But many summer activities pose risks.

More than 3,200 people drown each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. Drowning is also one of the leading causes of unintentional death in children between the ages of 1 and 9. Many of these fatalities occur even with supervision.

Pool owners and their families should be aware of basic pool safety tips to make sure swimming is safe and fun for everyone.

Start by making sure you have proper pool equipment like:

• A safety cover to use when your pool is not in use. Pool covers should tightly cover the entire pool, so children or pets cannot slip underneath.
• A fence or other barrier that surrounds your pool. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends securing your pool with a 4-foot high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Keep lifesaving equipment nearby. Life rings, floats or a reaching pole should be easily accessible.
• And in general, it’s a good idea to keep your pool clean and clear and keep children away from pool filters and other mechanical devices. The suction from these devices can injure a swimmer and even hold someone under water.
   

Another great way to stay safe around your swimming pool this summer is to learn and teach water safety skills:

• Keep children under supervision at all times. Have inexperienced swimmers swim with an adult in the pool and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved vest.
• Take CPR and first aid training or refresh your training if it has been awhile. Those trainings save lives every year.
• Limit alcohol use. The CDC reports that alcohol is involved in 70 percent of all teen and adult deaths associated with water recreation. Alcohol negatively impacts balance, coordination and judgment. These effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.
• Regularly check the pool area for any potential accident hazards. Glass bottles, toys and electric devices, such as radios and fans, can pose tripping or electrical hazards.
• Don’t leave toys or floats in the pool when it’s not in use. Kids may fall into the pool trying to reach them.
• Contact your insurance company. Let your insurance agent know if you have a pool to make sure you have the right coverage. For more information about home insurance, talk to a local AAA South Jersey Insurance Agent.

These tips are provided by the Marketing team at CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer.

The information listed above was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. AAA South Jersey, its affiliates and employees assume no liability in connection with the information or suggestions. The recommendations provided are general in nature; there may be additional safety procedures available that are not referenced on this webpage.