Summer Swimming Pool Safety

Swimming pool safety is important for you and others to know. With the weather warming up, more people are going outside to swim in the pool. Whether you swim in an outdoor pool, indoor pool, private or public pool, there are rules to follow to ensure the your safety and that of everyone else. Swimming pools can be dangerous for children, so always supervise when playing in or near a swimming pool.

Children under five are at a higher risk of drowning because most children this age cannot swim. Having an adult within arm's length of children under five ensures their safety. Even if a child can swim, he shouldn't be left unsupervised. Remove toys from the pool after pool time is over so that children are not tempted to reach for them--causing them to fall in.

Accessories, such as drains, filters and ladders can be inspected regularly to ensure they are in working condition. Large pool drains are hazardous for people who are in the pool when it is being drained. If an individual is trapped against a drain, turn it off immediately. If the drain cannot be turned off, pry a hand between the person and the drain to separate the two. The individual can then safely move away.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine kills most germs and bacteria, such as those found in blood. Therefore, if a blood spill occurs in a pool, you shouldn't worry about contracting diseases. However, vomit and fecal matter are different. The CDC recommends removal of fecal matter and vomit immediately upon notice by removing it with a net or bucket. They also recommend evacuating the pool and raising the chlorine level to two parts per million. After 30 minutes, the filtration system clears the pool of germs and people can re-enter.

Supervision is beneficial when a large group of people are swimming in a pool. Most public pools recognize this and hire lifeguards. However, if your pool doesn't have a lifeguard, doing random head counts can help ensure everyone is safe. It can also be beneficial to know how to perform CPR. CPR classes are often available at Red Cross centers across the country. Keep a first-aid kit nearby in case someone gets injured. "No Diving" signs alert people of locations where water is too shallow for swimming pool safety. People shouldn't dive in these areas because they risk head and neck injuries.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children who drown in pools do so from falling in them. They recommend putting fencing around your pool and keeping the gates closed and locked when the pool is not in use. Swim diapers do no always prevent diarrhea from entering pool water. Therefore, children who are sick shouldn't swim with others. Since pool water can contain germs, it should never be swallowed. Toys, rafts and other items can be removed from walkways so people don't trip and fall. A telephone should always be available to call for help if needed for the best swimming pool safety.