Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month? This annual awareness campaign focuses on reducing injury while enjoying all of the great benefits that aquatic activities have to offer. National Water Safety Month is coordinated by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals), with the support of the American Red Cross, the National Recreation & Parks Association and the World Waterpark Association. Venues around the country are planning events to promote water safety at home and at public swimming areas.
As summer approaches, it’s important to prepare your family and your pool or spa for splash-time fun.
Pool and Spa Summer Safety Checklist:
- Check drains and pipes for hazards. Small hands and feet can easily get trapped.
- Make sure that you have all equipment handy to keep your pool or spa clean, safe and properly maintained.
- If your pool is not fenced in, install a fence that is at least four feet tall. Barriers such as doors, windows, and gates should be secured and preferably alarmed, especially if there are children nearby.
- Ensure that your pool or spa is clean and in good working condition.
- Install a lockable safety cover on your spa.
- Remove any furniture or equipment that could be used by children to climb into pool areas.
- Post Safety Rules and Stickers in a place where all pool users can see them.
General Water Safety Tips
- Whenever possible, swim with others present and never leave a child unattended around water.
- Always stay within arms-reach of swimming children.
- Share basic water safety tips with your children.
- Keep a phone nearby whenever someone is in the water.
- Teach everyone in your household how to swim.
- Always practice the “feet first” rule when entering a pool or spa.
- Don’t prop open gates or doors that lead to pool areas.
- If you go boating, fishing, or water skiing, always wear a life jacket.
- All adults should learn CPR and basic first aid techniques.
- It’s a good idea not to swim while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that might impair your abilities.
- Don’t forget that bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans also pose a safety risk.
- Encourage everyone in your household to take the “I’m a Safe Swimmer” Pledge.
With Latham pool products, you’ll receive an information package that includes safety handbooks and tools. Make sure to read them carefully and make accessible to all who use your pool.
Make the most out of your summer by participating in National Water Safety Month. For more water safety tips, you can learn more about National Water Safety Month and visit Latham, The Pool Company safety pages.
Originally posted 5/2015
Disclaimer: While Latham Pools has over six decades of experience in the pool industry, we are not safety or legal experts and this blog is not intended as professional legal advice. The opinions and specifications are not Latham’s, but from pool safety websites and authorities. Please be sure to check your local laws and when in doubt, adhere to the most restrictive laws for your area.
Join the discussion