Pools can be fun (and a welcome relief) during these hot summer months, but they can also be dangerous if you aren’t careful, especially if you have young children or pets.
Did you know?*
- Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death of children aged 1 to 4.
- For every death, another eight receive emergency care for non-fatal drowning.
- More than 40% of drownings treated in emergency rooms require hospitalization or transfer for additional care.
The key to summer fun is making sure everyone (and everything) is protected. To help you stay safe this pool season, we break down the top pool essentials and safety tips for you, your family, and your furry friends.
4 Pool Essentials & Safety Equipment
Before heading to the pool, be sure to check your bag for:
- Sunscreen – Water safety and skin safety go hand in hand in the summer. Not only can sunburns be painful, but it’s also essential to protect your skin from sun damage. Bring sunscreen (the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a water-resistant sunscreen SPF 30 or higher**) and remember to apply it often to any exposed skin.
- Lifejackets or Floaties – It’s always good to be on the safe side, and you never know when these could come in handy.
- Goggles – To keep the chlorine out of children’s eyes and allow for some fun underwater games.
- Drinking Water – Swimming in the hot sun all day is sure to work up a sweat. Always bring water with you to help keep everyone hydrated and healthy. If your furry friend is joining you at the pool, be sure to bring a dog bowl and some water.
4 Swimming Safety Tips, Equipment, & Best Practices for Every Pool Owner
Are you one of the 10.4 million Americans who have a home swimming pool?** Keep your family and pets safe with these four safety practices.
1. Enforce Basic Safety Rules
A couple of our go-to safety rules include:
- No running around the pool.
- Don’t enter the pool alone.
- Don’t drink the pool water.
- Don’t play near drains or jets.
- Always wear your floaties or other safety gear (if you don’t know how to swim).
CPI Safety Practice: Safety doesn’t mean that children can’t have fun—in fact, it ensures that everyone has a great time! Be sure to offer gentle reminders of the rules when needed.
2. Put Up a Fence & Keep an Eye on the Pool
Many municipalities and home insurance providers require home pools to have a fence around them, and for good reason. Fences can help keep excited children and pets from making a beeline straight into the water.
CPI Safety Practice: Be sure your gate has a keyed lock or is difficult for children to open. Simple latch gates may not be enough to keep determined children from getting into a pool unsupervised.
Take it a step further by keeping an eye on your pool with a CPI outdoor security camera. Built with IVAN (Intelligent Video Activity Notifications), you’ll get a real-time alert every time your outdoor camera detects a person or animal entering a designated area (like your pool).
3. Keep Chemicals Out of Reach of Kids and Pets
Chlorine and other chemicals are used to kill bacteria in pools and make swimming safe for everyone. But this also means that they could be nearby and within reach of children or pets who may accidentally consume them. It’s important to make sure that any chemicals are out of reach and stored somewhere safe.
CPI Safety Practice: Keep your chemicals under lock and key to help keep them away from children. Be sure to mop up any chemical spills and keep the area clean from leaves or debris to avoid chemical accidents.
4. Check the Pool Before Swimming
Before anyone gets into the pool, it is essential to ensure that the drains, filters, and jets operate correctly. It’s also good to make sure the pool doesn’t contain any debris. If it does, use a pool skimmer to remove them.
CPI Safety Practice: Always check your pool for wildlife. Frogs, turtles, and even snakes can all make a home in your pool if you aren’t careful.
3 Swimming Safety Tips at Local Pools
Before diving into the water at your local pool, take a moment to remind yourself of these water safety tips.
1. Confirm Everyone’s Ability to Swim
It’s important to practice safe swimming, and the best way to do that is by knowing if everyone in your group knows how to swim. There’s no shame in strapping on floaties or sticking to the shallow end of the pool.
CPI Safety Practice: If someone (children OR adults) hasn’t learned how to swim yet, consider looking into swimming lessons at your local swimming pool, the Red Cross, or private organizations. Many of these places offer family swimming lessons, which can be fun for everyone—even the adults might learn a thing or two!
2. Stay Vigilant
Children are very active—we all know that. Combine that with a fun summer pool time, and it can be hard to keep track of them. But every adult must take responsibility and keep an eye out for children around the pool – always know where they are, what they’re doing, and how they’re swimming.
CPI Safety Practice: It takes a village! To make sure the pool is safe for kids, be sure to have everyone keep an eye on the children around the pool and make sure they’re safe.
3. Know the CPR Experts
CPR is an emergency procedure that can save someone’s life. It involves checking if the injured person is breathing, calling 911, administer compressions, and offering mouth to mouth. When disaster strikes, every minute counts – knowing what to do, and who to contact ahead of time, can help you come out on the right side of an emergency.
CPI Safety Practice: Make sure you know the CPR experts at your local pool and consider taking classes if you’re not an expert yourself!
5 Frequently Asked Pool Safety Questions
What are the essential steps for maintaining a safe swimming environment for children?
Ensuring a safe swimming environment for children involves several key steps: always having adult supervision when children are in or around the pool, teaching children basic water safety skills, equipping them with proper flotation devices, and maintaining clear, visible pool areas free of obstacles.
How can non-swimmers enjoy the pool safely?
Ensure non-swimmers wear approved flotation devices and stay within designated shallow areas under close supervision.
What are the best practices for pool chemical storage?
Store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from children and pets, and ensure they are properly labeled and never mixed.
Can pets safely join in pool activities?
Introduce pets to water gradually, ensure they know how to exit the pool, and never leave them unsupervised.
What maintenance routine is recommended to keep the pool safe?
Regularly check and maintain pH levels, keep the water clean, and ensure all safety equipment is in good condition.
Time to Jump in and Enjoy a Swim!
Remember that the more knowledgeable you are about pool safety, the better time everyone will have! For tips on summer fun, safety, and more, visit the CPI blog today!
Sources:
*CDC, “Drowning Prevent Facts.”
**American Academy of Dermatology Association, “Sunscreen FAQs.”
***Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, “Fascinating Facts About Pools, Spas, Swimming and Safety.”
