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    Everybody in the Pool – Safely

    Posted on - Monday, August 1, 2016 under General Everybody in the Pool – Safely

    It doesn’t take much for a fun summer day by the pool to turn into a life-altering tragedy. Swimming pools, whether in-ground or above-ground and even the smallest inflatable kiddie pools, present big risks if they are not properly maintained or supervised.

    According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), there were, on average, an estimated 5,600 pool- or spa-related emergency room-treated nonfatal drowning injuries each year for 2013 through 2015; and 367 pool- or spa-related drownings reported per year for 2011 through 2013 involving children younger than 15 years of age. Additionally, it is estimated that 200 young kids die in backyard swimming pools every year.

    Drowning is not the only risk associated with swimming pools. Electrical shock and entrapment by filters and other pool equipment also lead to thousands of injuries and many deaths every year.

    As you try to keep things cool this summer, make sure you keep things safe as well by following these swimming pool safety tips courtesy of the American Red Cross:

    Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
    Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
    Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.
    Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
    Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
    Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Red Cross.
    Stay cool, stay safe, and from all of us at Parian Law Firm, have a great summer.