Pool Safety and Drowning Prevention

Drownings and pool accidents are unfortunately very common in children around the United States. The most important thing you can do is to be safe when near any body of water and teach your children these crucial safety tips for when they are at the pool.

According to the National Safety Council, between 2015 and 2017, 74% of drowning incidents for children younger than age 15 occurred in residential locations. Boys under the age of 15 are especially at risk. Emergency rooms treat over 6,000 children under age 15 each year for pool related injuries. 

It is crucial to follow the necessary safety precautions when swimming or near any body of water. Here are tips you must follow to keep yourself and your children safe.

Never Swim Alone

Swimming alone is dangerous for people of all ages but children under 15 years old should always be monitored by parents or adults. It is best to swim in groups so that everyone has someone there to help them in the case of an emergency. Children should never be left unattended when they are near bodies of water, and especially not when they are swimming in a pool, even if there is a lifeguard.

Most pools, especially public pools, have lifeguards that are assigned to monitor the pool but even if this is the case you should always watch your children. 

Do Not Dive in Shallow Area

Most pools are marked with the depth, but it is always best to double check. Do not allow you children to dive into the shallow end of a pool. Children that have not been taught to dive should not dive into the pool in general to prevent accidents.

Learn CPR Techniques

Learning CPR and other rescue techniques will ensure that you are equipped to save a child or another adult in an emergency situation. This will come in use if you are swimming in an area with no on-duty lifeguard or in a pool on a private property, or if you are the nearest person to a struggling adult. Your local community center likely offers CPR classes but there is an abundance of information available online. In the case of a devastating accident, an experienced fatal drowning accident attorney can help you and your family get the compensation they deserve. 

Steer Clear of Pool Drains

Pool drains pose a serious hazard if children swim too close to them. Drains have powerful suction and can catch a child’s hair or even a limb. This is mostly a risk in shallow pools and spas, but it is best to be extra cautious and stay away from all drains, especially when they are missing a cover or are broken. 

Make Sure Everyone Knows How to Swim

When you are at the swimming pool, make sure that everyone you are with knows how to swim and tread water. If anyone does not know how to swim, there are swimming classes available at many public pools and you are likely to find one in your area. If you do not have an available class, you can also teach your children yourself but this option is not recommended.

Following these basic safety techniques can help ensure everyone has fun in the pool and will keep you, your family, and other swimmers safe.