Essential Pool Safety Tips – Updated For Summer 2020
It’s summertime again and nothing says summer like a dip in a nice, refreshing pool. Pools, whether residential or commercial, are known for bringing people together during the warmer months. Though poolside barbecues and celebrations can be fun, dangerous things can happen if your attention is not fully devoted to the pool and its activities, as well as the health and well being of all bathers. That is why pool safety tips foster good pool safety habits.
On top of traditional safety precautions, 2020 has introduced another set of pool-related concerns. It’s no secret that this summer is looking a little bit different than years past. COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in the summer plans of many, but it hasn’t taken away the fun in the sun and the delight of a pool. Our pool safety tips have been updated to consider the prevention of spreading the virus in an aquatic environment.
COVID-19 Pool Safety Tips
First and foremost, limiting the number of swimmers, especially in the case of commercial pools, needs to be a top concern. Putting a cap on pool guests will limit the exposure of germs. You need to check with your state as to what the occupancy is for aquatic facilities.
Another important pool safety tip is to encourage and have guests practice good personal hygiene while in and around the pool. Make it a known rule that all guests should wash their hands often, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. Also, showering both before and after using the pool is an industry-standard and common pool rules for many states.
Along with promoting good personal hygiene, residential and commercial pool operators should also have the proper sanitation supplies like soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and trash cans so that guests can easily follow these rules.
Drowning Prevention
Unfortunately, drownings happen. However, they can be prevented by following crucial pool safety tips. The first step in preventing drownings is simply to teach children and adults how to swim. This is particularly important for children, as they may attempt an aquatic activity they aren’t ready for just yet. As a precaution, make sure that there is a capable adult an arm’s length away from an inexperienced swimmer. Ensure weaker swimmers are wearing a properly fitted life jacket to keep them from going underwater if they jump or fall into the pool. Do not entrust a life to foam pool noodles or air-filled water wings and floatation devices – these are considered toys and do not take the place of a lifejacket or responsible adult supervision.
Another step toward drowning prevention is never allowing anyone to swim alone. This rule applies to everyone, even those confident in their swimming abilities. Why? Strong swimmers can still trip or fall into the pool and injure themselves so it’s best to swim with a buddy.
As far as pool safety tips go, controlling access to an unsupervised pool is a simple one for drowning prevention.
Safety Around The Pool
It’s common for pool-related accidents to occur outside the water. With pool guests constantly in and out of the water, there is an increased possibility of slip and fall accidents. To decrease the chances of slip and fall accidents, make sure that pool guests are aware of these risks and implement a strict “no running” rule around the outside of the pool.
However, even if swimmers follow these pool safety tips, they still run the risk of slipping, falling, and injuring themselves. In the event of an injury, proper safety and rescue equipment should be accessible around the pool. The risk of accidents around the pool level differs for residential and commercial pools. Risks associated with the pool should be assessed and make necessary safety precautions.
Pool Safety With Pool Operation Management
Pool Operation Management’s pool safety tips are general tips designed to promote risk awareness and ensure swimmer safety. We firmly believe that a safe summer by the pool is a happy summer by the pool. Interested in more than pool safety? We pride ourselves in our ability to offer the best in residential and commercial pool services, including pool operator training. Contact us for a complete and comprehensive pool experience.
