- Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths.
- There are an estimated 236,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.
- Drowning is the sixth leading cause of death worldwide for children aged 5-14 years old.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance:
- Drowning is the single leading cause of death in children ages 1-4.
- Drowning is silent and can happen in as fast as 30 seconds.
- Almost 70% of childhood drownings happen during non-swim times.
- 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present.
We lose 10 school buses of children to unintentional drownings each year. - Drowning is Preventable.
As the swimming season in the United States rapidly approaches, the importance of aquatics-related safety knowledge and preparedness cannot be understated. This is evidenced in part by a prominent, annually-launched national campaign composed of prestigious industry-wide alliances who have partnered together with one goal: to spread life-saving information and resources to the public to prevent water-related accidents, injuries, and deaths.
In honor of National Water Safety Month—an annual swim safety initiative campaign launched every May by the nation’s most illustrious and long-standing water awareness coalition—Keith Zars Pools wants to encourage every current and future pool owner to make water safety their top priority.
In this blog, we will discuss crucial water safety practices that will empower every person to create and maintain a culture of safety in and around their pool and throughout their community. By taking preventative measures now and by becoming armed with vital knowledge found in this pool safety guide and the resources it shares, this coming swim season can be spent with less time worrying about the risks of water-related injuries and fatalities and with more time spent with loved ones enjoying the security and peace of mind that comes with a safely created and cultivated pool environment.
The Importance of Active Supervision
Never underestimate the power of undistracted, active supervision. Adults should always be within arm’s reach of young swimmers and should avoid diverting their attention to phones, books, or conversations, no matter how brief. For children, the golden rule must be: no adults, no swimming. It’s also wise to assign a ‘Water Watcher’—an adult tasked solely with pool supervision during gatherings.
Swim Lessons: Empowerment through Education
Swimming is a life skill that everyone should learn. Enroll children in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors to build their confidence and competency in the water. Adults who aren’t strong swimmers should also consider taking lessons. Knowing how to swim well is the first defense against drowning.
Safety Equipment On-Hand
Equip your pool area with safety gear. This includes life rings, reaching poles, and a first aid kit readily accessible in an emergency. An on-site phone with emergency numbers can save crucial minutes in the event of an accident. It’s also prudent to learn CPR; those vital skills can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.
Fencing for Prevention
A physical barrier that completely surrounds the pool can prevent children from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that young children cannot easily open.
Pool Covers Are Key
When the pool isn’t in use, a safety cover can prevent accidental falls into the water. Make sure the cover you choose meets safety standards and that it effectively prevents anyone from falling through.
Regular Pool Maintenance
Clear, clean water isn’t just inviting, it’s also safer. Regular maintenance prevents waterborne illnesses and ensures the water is clean enough to see someone who may be struggling or submerged. Keep pool chemicals stored safely out of reach of children and pets, and regularly check that pool equipment is in good working order.
Alarm Systems for Extra Safety
Alarm systems can be installed on gates, doors and windows leading to the pool area, as well as in the pool itself to alert adults to unexpected water entry. These alarms provide an additional layer of protection, especially in households with small children.
Establishing and Enforcing Pool Rules
Set clear, simple pool rules and make sure everyone understands and follows them. Common rules include no running, no diving in shallow areas, no rough play, and no swimming without permission. These guidelines prevent accidents and help maintain a controlled environment where everyone can relax and have fun safely.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Preparing for emergencies involves more than just having safety equipment and skills. Ensure everyone in the household knows the action plan in case of a pool accident. Practice emergency scenarios to reduce panic and uncertainty should the real thing ever happen.
Ditch the Distractions
During pool time, the less attention diverted from swimmers, the better. Encourage everyone to keep electronics away from the poolside and to save the party for when everyone is out of the water.
Regular Inspections
Periodically inspect the pool area for potential hazards such as slippery surfaces, loose tiles, or broken glass. Keeping the pool and the surrounding area in good condition goes a long way in preventing accidents.
Educate on the Risks of Drains and Suction
Educate your family about the dangers of pool drains and the suction from pool filters. Swimmers should never play with or around these, as hair, limbs, and swimwear can become entangled and trapped.
The Power of Knowledge
Lastly, equip your family, friends and community with knowledge about pool safety, the signs of drowning (which often aren’t as obvious as dramatic splashing or shouting), and what to do in a crisis.
Implement the above practices to help instill positive attitudes and safe habits toward pool use,
because the best summer fun is the kind that ends with everyone safe, healthy and ready to dive into tomorrow’s adventures.
Let’s pledge this summer to keep everyone safe. Let’s make this season a testament to the joys of swimming, shared with a firm commitment to safety. Remember, every safe and happy memory you create poolside this season is not only a tribute to water safety, but it is a celebration of life. Dive safe, swim with joy, and anchor your pool times with the ballast of awareness and caution. Happy swimming! For more in-depth pool safety information and resources, please visit NWSM’s online Safety Tips Page here.
Keith Zars Pools is committed to constructing and maintaining the finest swimming pools in the industry while devoting itself to the utmost happiness and safety of every customer. This means Keith Zars Pools steadfastly builds the strongest, safest, highest quality and most everlasting pools in the business. With this unwavering spirit to create and preserve the best swimming pools that can possibly be offered comes with Keith Zars Pools’ lifetime relationship with its customers and a promise to always be there.
Please visit Keith Zars Pools online or call 210-494-0800 to learn more about the Keith Zars difference and what we have to offer.
https://www.phta.org/safety/public-safety/water-safety-brochures/
