Pool Safety Tips

According to National Spa and Pool Institue (NSPI) statistics, drowning and swimming accidents are best prevented by adult supervision, public awareness programs including water safety training for young children, and not drinking alcohol while swimming, diving or soaking. Statistically, most accidents involving drowning or severe injury occur to children under 5 years of age who are unsupervised, cannot swim, and fall into a pool or pool cover with water on top. Toddlers at the age of 2 or 3 are most likely to wander off from a parent's supervision. Barriers such as fences or back doors are often left unlocked. Drowning is NOT accompanied by loud noise or splashing sounds. DROWNING IS SILENT!

To prevent child drowning, there is NO substitute for parental supervision. Informed users are concerned about safety because serious injuries and even death can result from unsafe use of pools, pool equipment and associated products. Here are some examples:

• Drowning - According to the National Safety Council, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in this country, especially for children under five. Although the greatest percentage of drownings occur in natural aquatic settings, (e.g., oceans, lakes, quarries, etc.) drownings do occur in swimming pools. The water depth of any pool is sufficient for drowning to occur. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports drowning of children even in water buckets and toilets.

• Burns/Fires - Chemicals needed for clean, sanitized water are potentially harmful when stored or used improperly. If mixed with other chemicals or elements, explosions and fire can occur. Read the label and follow manufacturers' instructions. Always store chemicals where they cannot be reached by children.

• Electrical Shock/Electrocution - Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Electrical shock or electrocution can occur in a pool if live electrical current flowing through appliances and devices (including current from a telephone) comes into contact with the water. Make sure all electrical appliances and devices are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

• Cuts, Contusions and Abrasions - The pool environment, as well as associated products and equipment, can be a source of injury to users. Slipping and falling can result in cuts or scrapes or broken legs and arms. Horseplay, improper use of equipment or failure to follow manufacturers' instructions or warnings can result in serious trauma and permanently disabling injuries.

"Swimming pools are fun but along with the fun comes serious responsibility. Be sure that good times are safe times. Establish rules and enforce them."

Courtesy of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals

For addtional information please see Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC).

Thank you

Ocean View Swimming Pool Service LLC

E-mail: oceanviewspsllc@aim.com