With the current ongoing pandemic, many parents are facing safety challenges while children are home due to school closures. In South Florida where many like to soak in the sun, residents often have a pool in their backyard, which can cause a threat to their child’s safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. It is critical during these times to teach your child about basic pool safety tips to protect them from possible harm.
5 Pool Safety Tips
When working from home with a child around, it is important to keep a watchful eye on all of their daily activities. One of those activities might be an afternoon spent in the pool. However, an accident can occur at any given time. It is important to follow these five pool safety tips to ensure your child is safe.
- Never leave your child unattended. – We understand that work cannot come to a halt every time your child wants to play in the water. However, it is important that if your child does go in the water to never leave them unattended. Have a phone close by at all times in case you need to call for help. If your child is missing inside the home, be sure to check the pool first.
- Install proper fences, barriers, and covers. – For maximum precaution, consider installing a fence or barrier and keep all pool and spa covers in working order. The fence must be at least four feet in height and surround the pool or spa on all sides. This will ensure no accidents will cause you or your child to accidentally slip and fall into the pool.
- Learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on children. – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save a life. To learn how to effectively provide CPR to an infant or child, review this Nicklaus Children’s Hospital video tutorial.
- Advise children to stay away from pool drains. – It is important to advise your child to stay away from pool drains or suction outlets especially in spas and shallow pools. Children’s hair, jewelry, or bathing suits can become stuck in the drain and cause possible drowning. Be sure to locate the emergency vacuum shutoff before entering the pool as a precaution.
- Teach children to use the buddy system. – Even if a child has taken swimming lessons, do not let them swim alone. Instead, implement a buddy system rule for using the pool.
While some children might be able to signal for help while in distress, most drowning victims will be nearly silent. Know the signs of drowning by visiting our resource center.
Pool Accident Liability
Pool accidents can result in devastating injuries or even fatalities. Serious pool accidents can cause brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, which can be life changing for families. If you own a pool, please keep in mind that traumatic injuries occurring in the pool fall under strict liability laws. Even if a pool owner is in compliance with codes, they still may be held liable if it is found that they failed to plan for vulnerable children or adults wandering onto their property.
If you are injured in a pool accident, contact us by calling (305) 662-6178. Let us help you and your family.
