28 Jun Summer Safety Tips for Pool Owners

As July fast approaches, we’re beginning to really feel the heat of summer. Everyone knows what that means….it’s pool time! A backyard swimming pool embraces the joys of summer and provides tons of fun, but it can also cause tragedy in just an instant.

“Each year, roughly 300 children under age 5 drown in swimming pools and spas, and most of those deaths occur at home, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Drowning is the No. 2 leading cause of accidental death for children age 1 to 14 years. For every child who dies from drowning, another four children receive emergency care for submersion injuries, which can cause brain damage, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.” Source: Insure.com

This is why owning a pool or spa can be a major responsibility. Home insurance rates can even increase by owning a pool because of the huge risks associated with them. However, there are ways to protect yourself and your family from tragedy in order to truely enjoy the joys of swimming in your own backyard pool. The following are some helpful hints to keep in mind!

1. Educate Yourself! The American Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation offer a two-hour online safety course for pool and hot tub owners, called “Home Pool Essentials.” This course teaches about all aspects of pool safety including how to maintain a safe and clean pool, how to avoid harmful situations, and how to respond in case an emergency occurs.
2. Prevent Swimmers From Getting Entangled. Be sure to have a proper drain cover as suction from pool drains can trap people and cause drowning. Also, install a safety vacuum release system as to prevent issues such as someone getting sucked by and trapped by the pool vacuum.
3. Install a Safety Barrier. One of the most important parts of pool ownership is installing a fence or barrier around the pool in order to keep those who should not be swimming away from the water. Most incidents of drowning children occur when the child is unsupervised and not supposed to be in the pool. A barrier around the pool that is childproof prevents these incidents from occuring.
4. Keep Your Pool Supervised! Never, ever leave children unattended in the water! Always keep an eye on the children and don’t focus on other activities such as reading or talking on the phone while supervising.
5. Keep Rescue Equipment Handy. Rescue equipment should include items such as a cordless phone, ring buoys, a rope, a pole, and a first-aid kit.
6. Maintain Safety Rules. These rules should include things such as keeping bottles or glass away from the pool, no running or pushing around the pool, and no diving unless the pool meets safety standards that allow it.

Buying a pool can be a major step and it is important to talk to your insurance company before doing so. Some home insurance policies require fences around pools or pool alarms, and it is wise to learn of any other restrictions before taking the step of purchasing a pool or spa. For example, some insurance companies may not cover a pool that has a diving board or a slide.

For more information about North Carolina home insurance or other forms of insurance call Spivey Insurance Group today at 877-318-5951. You can also visit our website at SpiveyInsuranceGroup.com for a free insurance quote today and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more helpful insurance hints.