Swimming Pool Safety Rules

A swimming pool is an artificial body of water utilized for swimming or water-based recreation. A swimming pool can be constructed in the ground as well as above the ground. Usually made of concrete, today pools made of metal, plastic or fiber glass have also become quite common.

Drowning is assumed to be the second most common cause for fatalities in children below the age of 14 years. The tragedy can happen within a few minutes after the person's head goes below the water level. Death is caused when excess water enters the lungs and lungs fail to carry the required amount of oxygen to different parts of the body, including the brain. Some precautions need to be taken in order to ensure that no such accidents occur in your vicinity.

Safety around the swimming pool
Every year around 300 children under the age of 5 years drown in residential pools, while thousands escape near drowning incidents, only to be saved by immediate medical attention. Most of these tragedies are caused when the child falls into the pool accidentally. Therefore a fence or barrier should be constructed around the swimming pool to keep children away from it. This fence should be at least 4 feet high to ensure that the child doesn't manage to go over it. Sometimes, handhold or footholds in these barriers itself work as support, making it easier for the child to cross over. Children under the age of 5 should be made to wear lifesaving jackets or a personal flotation device (PFD) even when accompanied by adults in the pool. Safety measures should also be taken in portable swimming pools, as even knee deep water can turn out to be dangerous for young children.

Keeping safety equipment near the pool is a necessity
Equipment such as door alarms or power safety covers can help to make the swimming pool safer for your children. If at all any door of the house opens near the pool, it should be always kept closed. It is wiser to put an alarm on the door, so that even if the child opens the door by chance, the alarm will warn you about the possible danger. Power safety covers used to cover the pool should have the capacity to bear the weight of two adults. A closet near the swimming pool should have, life-saving equipment like a first-aid kit, and a telephone with all the emergency numbers listed in it.

Keep an eye on the children
Just taking swimming lessons doesn't make your child safe. An adult has to continuously monitor the swimming pool when children are playing in the vicinity. Children should be warned not to go anywhere near the pool if there is no adult around. If you have babysitters to look after your children, make sure they know about risk of being near a swimming pool. It's always safe to keep an eye on children who are swimming or playing near the pool. Hence, having a window which allows you to supervise children or adults near the pool is a good option.

Be prepared for emergency
If you have a residential pool, it is advisable to take swimming and water-safety lessons which cover first-aid and life-saving skills. Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), an emergency medical procedure for someone who suffers a sudden respiratory arrest can prove to be very helpful in case of emergency.

Toys are not life-saving equipment
Toys which help you float can be fun to play, and even help you while you learn to swim, but they can't save your lives. Never leave toys near the swimming pool. They can lure your child into a dangerous situation.

Keep the pool clean and hygienic
Last, but one of the most important thing to note is the hygiene of the pool. It is very important to ensure that the pool is safe for the user's health. Proper sanitization will curb the growth of various bacteria, algae and larvae of insects in the pool, which can cause many diseases. The chemicals used to clean the pool should be kept out of the reach of children.

Swimming has evolved as a widely popular sport as well as a great recreational activity. With many homes having residential pools these days, just taking a few precautionary measures can make swimming a fun-filled and safe activity.