Pool season officially kicked off on Memorial Day, which led to the opening of many pools, both private and public. People of all ages were seen soaking up Arizona’s sun while staying cool. Seemingly without any worries. What could possibly go wrong with having fun?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 279 children younger than five years old drown in pools and spas, and more than 5,400 children younger than fifteen years old are rushed to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries.
Drowning is a silent killer! The belief that you’d be able to hear your kids if they get into trouble just isn’t true. The splashing, yelling, and cries for help often portrayed on the big screen provides parents with false hope. Drowning accidents literally happen in the blink of an eye.
Hegarty-Haynes Insurance wants to make sure you and your family stay safe not only during the summer but also year round. For more information on pool safety, or to request a review of your homeowner’s insurance, please feel free to contact us at (480) 820-2297.
Pool Safety Steps To Adopt
Pool and spa related drowning and injuries are 100 percent preventable! Do your part to ensure the safety of children (yours and your neighbors/friends) in and around water by following these pool safety steps. They just may be the extra layer of protection you need to save a life.
- Always watch children around water.
- Teach children basic water safety tips.
- Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm.
- Teach children to stay away from pool drains and pipes.
- Learn how to swim and teach your children how to swim.
- Seconds count: Look for any missing children in the pool first.
- Designate an adult “water watcher” whenever the pool’s in use.
- Learn to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on children and adults; make sure to keep these skills up-to-date at all times. Understand the basics of life-saving procedures.
- Keep a cell or cordless phone close by at all times; you never know when you’ll need it. Refrain from using it, except in an emergency, whenever children are in the pool or spa.
- Install a 4′ or taller fence around your pool and/or spas’ perimeter. Use self-closing and self-latching gates. Install a lockable spa cover over your above ground spa as well.
- Always use U.S. Coast Guard approved life-vests when on boats or other watercrafts. Or when children aren’t strong swimmers. Inflatable pool toys and arm floaties are not life-saving devices.
- CPSC recommends creating a pool safety toolkit, which is to be kept near your pool and/or spa, so that you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Included in your pool safety toolkit should be:
- A first aid kit
- A pair of scissors
- A flotation device
- A portable phone that’s fully charged
