A backyard pool opens the door to an endless source of summertime memories. There may be no better place to gather when the sun is shining and the heat is blazing than the cooling waters of a backyard pool. Although a pool can be an enjoyable and relaxing home feature, it also carries significant responsibilities.
Recent findings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that drowning and submersions among children remain high. In 2020, 339 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned, and in 2021, that figure rose by 12 percent. Young children (age 5 and under) represent 75 percent of child drowning deaths and 77 percent of nonfatal injuries.
Pool safety concerns and drowning incidents are largely preventable. By staying up-to-date on safety standards and being vigilant when hosting others, people can ensure that the pool remains a place to relax and have fun.
Create physical barriers
Modern safety standards require separating the pool from the neighbors and the rest of the home and yard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say a fence that is at least four feet tall that completely surrounds the water can reduce a child's drowning risk by up to 83 percent, compared to three-sided property-line fencing. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, and entryways to the pool should swing outward away from the water. New smart lock technology can alert homeowners if a gate is left open.
Visual supervision
No technology can replace a human. Someone should be enlisted to watch the water anytime someone is swimming, and especially when larger crowds during a party will be using the pool. The person should have no phone, book or other distractions, and should remain sober. The CPSC suggests this 'water watcher' handle the task for a set period of time and then can be rotated out. Those hosting a party may want to hire a lifeguard, even if they have an above-ground pool, to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Establish firm rules
While pools can be fun, it's essential that everyone behave safely when in and around the water. Party hosts can set rules, such as no running or diving. People may consider removing large floats or extra toys from the pool water, which can hinder sight lines and mask someone floundering or drowning. Additional rules may prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages and swimming, or having separate swim times for children and adults, as larger adults might overwhelm the pool and make swimming more challenging for younger swimmers.
Keep safety gear nearby
Rescue equipment, such as a shepherd's hook and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life ring, should be poolside at all times. At least one person in the household should be trained in CPR. Survival rates and neurological outcomes for drowning victims improve considerably when CPR can be administered immediately, says the American Heart Association.
Planning a pool party requires more than making sure water chemicals are balanced and there are refreshments available. Ensuring that swimmers remain safe should be the utmost priority. TF265866