wimming is one of the most popular summer activities, and for a good reason! It's a great workout, fun, and a great way to cool off on a hot day.
However, it's not all fun and games. There are a lot of dangers that come with swimming, and it's important to be aware of them. From slipping on swimming pool tiles to swimming too close to other people, there are many ways that accidents can happen.
We've compiled a list of 10 essential swimming pool safety tips you need to know. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your time in the pool while staying safe.
1. Avoid swimming alone.
Did you know that drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States? In fact, swimming alone is one of the main risks associated with drowning.
There are plenty of reasons why this is the case. First of all, if you're swimming alone, there's no one there to help you if you get into trouble. Secondly, swimming alone can be boring, leading to swimming too close to the edge of the pool or taking other risks.
So, if you're going to swim, make sure there's someone else there with you. That way, if something does happen, there will be someone there to help.
2. Avoid swimming after drinking
Even if you're in a swimming pool, it's important to avoid drinking alcohol before swimming. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more likely to take risks.
It can also make you drowsy, leading to swimming too close to the pool's edge or getting into other dangerous situations.
In addition, alcohol dehydrates your body, making swimming more difficult and tiring. So, if you're going to drink, make sure you do it after swimming, not before.
3. Be Careful on Pool Tiles
One of the most common swimming pool accidents is slipping on pool tiles. This can happen for several reasons, including wet tiles, algae, or pool chemicals. Some accidents even lead to cut fingers or toes.
How can you avoid this?
The best way to avoid slipping on pool tiles is by being careful. Pay attention to where you're walking, and avoid wet or slimy areas. Always walk, don't run, and wear aqua shoes if possible.
Glass tiles can be particularly slippery, so be extra careful around them. Ask a lifeguard or swimming pool staff member if you're unsure whether a tile is safe to walk on.
If you're building a backyard pool and ensuring it's safe for your family, porcelain pool tiles are a good option since they're slip-resistant. To create a safer swimming area, you can also add textured swimming pool decking or anti-slip swimming pool mats.
4. Use the Ladder
If you're swimming in a pool with a ladder, make sure you use it. We're talking about the swimming pool ladder, not the ones you use to get in and out of the pool.
The swimming pool ladder is there for a reason: to help you safely get in and out of the pool. It's much easier (and safer) to use the swimming pool ladder than try to climb over the side of the pool.
Unfortunately, many people ignore the swimming pool ladder and try to climb over the side of the pool instead. This can lead to accidents, including slipping and falling. So, if there's a swimming pool ladder available, use it.
5. Watch where you're diving.
In the excitement of swimming, it can be tempting to dive into the pool without thinking. However, this is a dangerous thing to do.
Before diving into a pool, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here are some of the most important things to remember:
- Make sure the pool is at least 9 feet deep. This is the minimum depth required for safe diving.
- Check for obstacles. Before diving, look around to ensure there are no obstacles in your way. This includes swimming pool toys, chairs, or people.
- Know your swimming ability. Only dive into the pool if you're a confident swimmer. If you're unsure whether you can safely make the dive, don't do it.
Many accidents happen from diving into a pool that's not deep enough. This can lead to serious injuries, including spinal cord damage.
6. Don't allow kids to play unsupervised
Roughhousing around the pool is one of the leading causes of swimming pool accidents. This is especially true for children, who are likelier to take risks and play without thinking.
Compounded by the fact that children can't swim as well as adults, it's easy to see why this is such a problem. Many swimming pool accidents happen when children are left unsupervised or allowed to play without adult supervision.
If you have kids, designate an adult to watch them whenever they're swimming. This way, you can be sure someone is always watching them.
7. Keep the swimming area clean
You probably didn't think swimming pool safety had anything to do with cleaning, but it does. A dirty swimming pool is more likely to lead to accidents and injuries.
One of the most common swimming pool accidents is slipping on wet or slimy areas. This can happen when pool tiles are wet, algae are present, or there are other slippery substances in the water, like oils or lotions.
How do you keep your swimming pool clean yourself?
To keep your swimming pool clean, you need to:
- Vacuum the swimming pool regularly
- Brush the swimming pool walls and floor
- Test the swimming pool water quality and adjust the chemicals accordingly
- Remove any debris, leaves, or other objects from the swimming pool
8. Be aware of swimming pool drains
Swimming pool drains are one of the most dangerous aspects of swimming pools. They can cause serious injuries like entrapment, evisceration, and disembowelment.
This is because swimming pool drains create a suction that can trap swimmers underwater. If swimming near a pool drain, be aware of the potential danger.
How can you stay safe around swimming pool drains?
There are a few things you can do to stay safe around swimming pool drains:
- Avoid swimming near drains
- Don't put your head underwater when swimming near drains
- Don't play with the drain cover
- If you get caught in a pool drain, try to push yourself away from the drain and swim to the side of the pool.
9. Be careful with swimming pool toys
Inflatable toys like rafts and inner tubes are common in swimming pools. While they might seem harmless, they can actually be quite dangerous.
This is because swimming pool toys can deflate suddenly, leaving swimmers stranded in the water. They can also become entangled in swimming pool drains, which can lead to serious injuries.
So, if possible, avoid using swimming pool toys. If you do use them, supervise children and adults playing with them closely.
10. Use swimming pool covers
If you're going to invest in one thing for swimming pool safety, make it a swimming pool cover. A swimming pool cover can significantly reduce the risk of swimming pool accidents. How?
A swimming pool cover can:
- Prevent drowning by keeping people out of the swimming pool
- Reduce evaporation and save water
- Keep the swimming pool clean by preventing debris from getting in
A swimming pool cover is a must if you have children in your home.
Conclusion
Don't let accidents around swimming pools scare you away from swimming. Just be aware of the potential dangers and take precautions to stay safe. Swimming is a great way to get exercise and have fun, so make sure you follow these swimming pool safety tips to make sure your experience is a safe one.
