With summer just around the corner—and National Water Safety month this May—now is the perfect time to get ready for those long, sunny days sitting poolside with a few tips and reminders about water safety. The best way for you and your family to have fun at the pool this summer is stay safe. Although safe pool practices may seem obvious, there are still some aspects that pool owners and goers overlook when taking a swim. Here are some of the biggest pool safety mistakes that you should avoid this summer.

When to Learn to Swim

One common mistake parents and guardians make when it comes to their child swimming is thinking that their child is too young to learn to swim. There are many different thoughts on what is the right age to introduce your child to water, but the younger child is when introduced, the easier it will be for them to learn to swim in the long haul. Even at very young ages, just a few months old, children have learned to swim. According to the USA Swimming Foundation, when a child learns to swim in a formal swimming setting, it reduces their risk of drowning by 88 percent.

 

Is Your Pool Completely Safe?

Drain entrapments are common amongst swimmers and can even lead to drowning or water danger. Many pool owners may overlook these small aspects of their pool, but to avoid drain entrapments, you should make sure your pool’s drains and pump systems are in compliance with state and federal guidelines. Also, be sure to keep your pool deck and surrounding areas clear of toys and other objects that can be tripped on or that can lure children towards the open water.

 

Depending on Floaties and Life Jackets

Life jackets and other floating devices are great aids to keeping safe by the pool, but this should not be your only safety net. Even more, if you use these devices to teach your child to swim, this could be problematic because it will give your child a false sense of security. If your child accidentally falls into the pool, they will more than likely not have on the floating accessories. Therefore, it is best to teach them how to swim without these aids so that they will know what to do in case the unexpected occurs.

 

Keep It Safe

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Although pool safety may not be the hardest concept to understand, there are still things that many people overlook that shouldn’t be. Make sure you and your family are remaining absolutely safe this summer by the pool by following these pool safety tips:

 

  • Do not swim alone or allow others to swim alone. Always use the buddy system even in public.
  • Make sure you and your loved ones know how to swim properly.
  • Do not leave children unsupervised by water.
  • Have inexperienced swimmers and young children wear life jackets when around water.
  • Be cautious around water even if you do not plan to swim.
  • Avoid alcohol use and consumption when around water.
  • Install barriers around your home pool and hot tub.
  • Make sure pool enclosures surround the entire pool and are at least four feet high. Be sure there are no gaps or holes in or around the enclosure. Make sure all latches are completely secure, and that there are no tables or other objects near the enclosure that can be used to climb over the enclosure.

 

Avoid Pool Safety Mistakes and Stay Safe!

You and your family can have a great time this summer by avoiding pool safety mistakes and following these safety tips. If you are in the Dallas area, find out how Hobert Pools can design and install the perfect pool for you and your family to stay safe and have fun this summer.

 

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hobert Pools is a Dallas pool builder proudly serving Rockwall, Frisco & surrounding areas. Family-owned and operated since 1975, Hobert Pools specializes in new pool & spa construction, outdoor living design, natural pools, and fire & water feature aesthetics. Hobert Pools is uniquely qualified to build your backyard retreat.

For more Dallas pool design tips, subscribe to their blog and YouTube Channel or ‘Like’ them on Facebook. For pool design photos and inspiration, visit the gallery on their website, and see what Hobert Pools’ client recommended pool design and construction team can do for you. Ready to get started on your own backyard oasis? Contact the Dallas pool builders and pool renovation experts at Hobert Pools today!