Visiting your local community pool to beat the heat is a classic summertime activity. With school out and temperatures rising, mobile home park residents can expect an uptick in pool usage. While swimming accidents may seem uncommon, they are actually the second leading cause of unintentional injury in children ages five to fourteen. Here are some pool safety tips to make sure your summer fun doesn’t turn fatal.
Community pools require that all children be accompanied at the pool. For younger children especially, it is important to stay within arm’s reach. While supervising children, try to avoid distractions such as a phone or tablet.
Avoid broken or uncovered pool drains. Pool drains have powerful suction which can trap clothing, hair, or even limbs in the case of small children. Parents and adults should teach children to stay away from all pool drains, even if they are adequately covered. If a drain cover is damaged, immediately report it to your manager or management staff.
Lastly, ensure that you are aware of your pool’s rules, posted signage, and safety equipment. Identify where the life ring and/or long pole are; these can be lifesaving. Also take note of where any emergency shut offs are, especially for a hot tub. Many community pools have signs showing pool depth, and diving permissions. Be sure to follow any posted rules.
Safe fun is the best fun. Always remember to be aware of your surroundings where your children playing, to pool rules, to equipment on the premise.
Source: The YMCA
