If you own a pool, you know that a lot of work goes into it. Not only do you have to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance, but you also have to ensure pool safety. Some of the major water safety concerns include drowning, electrocution, pool drains’ injuries, diving injuries, slipping and falling, and reaction to harsh chemicals. Therefore, homeowners and business owners running pools must have proper plans for protecting swimmers from injuries.
Here are a few precautionary actions are commonly taken to ensure swimming pool safety.
1. Installation of Sensors
All pools should be equipped with a variety of sensors to ensure users’ safety. For example, a water level sensor is particularly useful in regulating the water level in swimming pools. They serve this purpose by indicating the exact water level of pools at any given point in time. Some of the common categories of water level indicators available in the market are float sensors. Through sophisticated technology, float switches ensure that the water level does not dip or exceed a certain level. This helps to prevent drowning and other injuries related to pool water levels.
2. Ensure that Swimmers Have the Right Gear
Pool owners can ensure that all users are safe by checking that they use the right gear and equipment. For example, during the cold weather and when the water is cold, swimmers are required to wear wetsuits. However, if the water is warmer than 80 degrees, wetsuits are not ideal since they may cause heat exhaustion. Also, swimmers should be advised to wear goggles to avoid specs getting into their eyes and obscuring their vision. Children should also wear life jackets when in the water and only take them out once they are out of the pool.
3. Have a Plan for Emergencies
Home and hotel owners with pools should always have a plan that can be implemented during emergencies. For example, they should have lifeguards or persons watching swimmers as they get into the pool. These respondents should have undergone first aid training, especially CPR. Also, they should keep rescue equipment on standby in case of an accident. In essence, there should be a proper plan that thinks through every possible incident and the best ways to mitigate or rescue.
4. Establish Rules for Using the Swimming Pool
Rules can go a long way in reducing safety issues in pools. As a rule of thumb, you should always have a regulation that prohibits swimming after alcohol intake. After all, alcohol impairs judgment; hence, the swimmers’ perception of danger may be impaired. Alcohol also interferes with balance and coordination, which are essential for swimming and avoiding hazards.
Another important pool rule should be swimming only where there is a lifeguard in sight. This way, the swimmers are assured that there is someone to help and guide them in the case something goes wrong. Also, pool users should be required to swim only in daylight, especially in swimming pools with inadequate lighting. Other pool rules may involve discouraging users from running around the pools to avoid slipping and falling.
5. Ensuring Safe Accessibility for People with Disabilities
In 2012, the National Disabilities Act was amended to regulate the inclusion of people with disabilities in public pools. According to the law, there are many actions that pool owners can take to make them safe for disabled people. First, you can install a chair lift that is powered by water pressure or a battery. Secondly, you should construct a sloped entryway or place a removable ramp to ensure accessibility. Thirdly, your pool should have a transfer wall lined with grab bars for swimmers to hold onto. Lastly, you should consider having pool stairs with more contact points and handholds.
6. Marking Borders
Borders are essential in restricting access to different pool areas depending on swimming skills. Swimming pools’ depth should be marketed all around so that users know which area to avoid. For example, deep ends are suitable for diving and marking will ensure that swimmers do not dive in the shallow end and incur injuries. Also, marking will ensure that inexperienced swimmers stick to shallow waters where they are less likely to drown.
Maintaining pool safety can be a strenuous task. But if caution is taken early on, swimming pool owners can rest assured that some of the most common safety issues are handled. If you have a pool or are planning to construct one, consider applying the above tips. They will save you so much stress and drama.
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