Essential Pool Safety Tips for Summer

With summer just around the corner—and National Water Safety month this May—now is the perfect time to make sure those long, sunny days sitting poolside are accompanied by some smart water safety habits. Because, of course, the best way for you and your family to have fun at the pool this summer is staying safe.

Although most pool safety practices may seem obvious, there are still some that can often be overlooked. Here are some of the biggest pool safety mistakes that you should be careful to avoid this summer.

When to Learn to Swim

One common mistake parents and guardians make is thinking that their child is too young to learn to swim. Even at very young ages, just a few months old in fact, children can learn infant aquatic survival skills. These essential skills will allow children to stay above water and even make it to the edge of the pool on their own should the need arise. Check with your local swim academies to see if they offer infant survival skill classes.

Is Your Pool Completely Safe?

If you have an older pool, drain entrapments can be a commonly overlooked danger. You should make sure your pool’s drains and pump systems are in compliance with state and federal guidelines. If you need to, contact a local pool company to update your old equipment to new pumps and drains that adhere to strict safety standards.

Also, be sure to pay attention to the area around the pool. When not in use, keep your pool deck and surrounding areas clear of toys and other objects that can be tripped on or can lure children towards the open water. Better yet, install a safety fence around the pool. These can be basic fences or decorative wrought iron fences that can even enhance the beauty of the poolscape.

Depending on Floaties and Life Jackets

It’s very important to remember that floaties are not life-saving devices. They are to help children stay afloat and enjoy the water, but should never be depended on for anything more. Even life jackets are only to aid in helping to protect children. There is no substitute for constant adult supervision.

Even more, floaties can give children a false sense of security when it comes to being in the water. Therefore, it’s good to make sure they have plenty of one-on-one experience in the water without float accessories so that they don’t think they’ll easily float anytime they’re in the water.

Keep It Safe

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Even if they seem obvious, make sure you and your family review and commit to the following tried-and-true pool rules. You can even have every member of your family take the Pool Safely Pledge.

• Do not swim alone or allow others to swim alone. Always use the buddy system, even in public.
• Make sure you and your loved ones know how to swim properly.
• Learn CPR
• Do not leave children unsupervised by, in, or around the water.
• Have inexperienced swimmers and young children wear flotation devices even out of the water. Only take them off when in close contact with a trusted adult.
• Be cautious around water even if you do not plan to swim.
• Avoid alcohol use and consumption when around water.
• Designate one adult to be the “water watcher” so that there’s no confusion about who’s supposed to be monitoring the water
• Install barriers around your home pool and hot tub.
• Make sure pool enclosures surround the entire pool and are at least four feet high. Be sure there are no gaps or holes in or around the enclosure. Make sure all latches are completely secure, and that there are no tables or other objects near the enclosure that can be used to climb over the enclosure.

Avoid Pool Safety Mistakes and Stay Safe!

You and your family can have a great time this summer by avoiding pool safety mistakes and following these safety tips. If you are in the Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, or Southwest Missouri areas, find out how Burton Pools and Spas can help make your existing pool even safer or build you a brand new one with all the latest safety features and technology. Stay safe this summer!

About Burton Pools & Spa

For over 40 years, Burton Pools & Spas has been the premier provider of swimming pools, hot tubs, Hot Spring Spas and outdoor recreation equipment in Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri and just about everywhere in between. Burton Pools creates beautiful backyard environment that brings friends and families together for outdoor fun and memories that will last a lifetime.

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