Pool safety is essential, especially when making a splash in the family or neighborhood pool this summer. From having the correct pool equipment to determining the definition of “knowing how to swim,” there are quite a few pool myths out there that keep pool owners under water.
Here are the five biggest pool safety myths debunked:
1. We won’t drown because we know how to swim.
Swimming lessons may not suffice when it comes to pool safety. According to Kim Burgess, CEO of International Swim Instructors Association, Inc., just because children have had some formal swimming lessons does not mean they are safe from harm.
“For people to say they can swim, he or she needs to be able to swim for 25 yards straight,” Burgess says. “But even then, when kids are in the pool, they aren’t swimming … they’re dunking each other, and there’s no training for that.”
2. We are safe because a lifeguard is present.
“You can’t expect a lifeguard to be superhuman and see every incident,” says Kathleen Reilly, pool and spa campaign leader for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Parents need to stay vigilant and never trust the safety of their children solely to the lifeguard.
In fact, even when parents are watching their children, there can be problems. Reilly says that many pool incidents happen during parties, when conversations or drinks distract parents.
“When a group of adults is going to be social while their children are swimming, they should take turns being the designated water watcher. This means no drink, no conversation, and no phone for 15 minutes,” Reilly suggests.
According to Burgess, this goes for adults too. “No matter who is in the pool [children or adults], someone should be watching.”
3. I don’t have to worry because I have a shallow or kiddie pool.
Just because you don’t have a built-in pool doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If a kiddie pool is not turned over after use, it can fill with rainwater and become deadly.
“Children are attracted to all pools, especially filled with toys,” Reilly says. “Above-ground pools need to be fenced just like built-in pools, and don’t forget to put the ladder away.”
4. My pool is safe because it has an isolation fence.
Pool safety is not secure through just one technology alone; it is comprised of a system of barriers. The more you have, the safer you are. Here are some necessary barriers:
Isolation fence
Door and window alarms
Pool alarm
Industry-standard drain covers that prevent entrapment (Ask about the local or regional pool requirements. The drains of public pools are regulated, whereas the drains of private pools are not.)
Learn CPR and First Aid
Use a certified pool maintenance professional for installation
5. I’ve taken all of the safety precautions, so it won’t happen to me.
Drowning is the second-leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1- to 5-years-old nationwide, and it’s preventable. “Peace of mind does not exist when there is a body of water around,” Burgess says. “All you can do is minimize the risk; you can’t get rid of it.”
Deflated: 5 pool safety myths
Pool safety is essential, especially when making a splash in the family or neighborhood pool this summer. From having the correct pool equipment to determining the definition of “knowing how to swim,” there are quite a few pool myths out there that keep pool owners under water.
Here are the five biggest pool safety myths debunked:
1. We won’t drown because we know how to swim.
Swimming lessons may not suffice when it comes to pool safety. According to Kim Burgess, CEO of International Swim Instructors Association, Inc., just because children have had some formal swimming lessons does not mean they are safe from harm.
“For people to say they can swim, he or she needs to be able to swim for 25 yards straight,” Burgess says. “But even then, when kids are in the pool, they aren’t swimming … they’re dunking each other, and there’s no training for that.”
2. We are safe because a lifeguard is present.
“You can’t expect a lifeguard to be superhuman and see every incident,” says Kathleen Reilly, pool and spa campaign leader for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Parents need to stay vigilant and never trust the safety of their children solely to the lifeguard.
In fact, even when parents are watching their children, there can be problems. Reilly says that many pool incidents happen during parties, when conversations or drinks distract parents.
“When a group of adults is going to be social while their children are swimming, they should take turns being the designated water watcher. This means no drink, no conversation, and no phone for 15 minutes,” Reilly suggests.
According to Burgess, this goes for adults too. “No matter who is in the pool [children or adults], someone should be watching.”
3. I don’t have to worry because I have a shallow or kiddie pool.
Just because you don’t have a built-in pool doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If a kiddie pool is not turned over after use, it can fill with rainwater and become deadly.
“Children are attracted to all pools, especially filled with toys,” Reilly says. “Above-ground pools need to be fenced just like built-in pools, and don’t forget to put the ladder away.”
4. My pool is safe because it has an isolation fence.
Pool safety is not secure through just one technology alone; it is comprised of a system of barriers. The more you have, the safer you are. Here are some necessary barriers:
5. I’ve taken all of the safety precautions, so it won’t happen to me.
Drowning is the second-leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1- to 5-years-old nationwide, and it’s preventable. “Peace of mind does not exist when there is a body of water around,” Burgess says. “All you can do is minimize the risk; you can’t get rid of it.”