May is National Water Safety Month
Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, and with it, lots of summer fun. As the warm weather grows, pools are opening and lakes are warming up in Indiana, and we’re all ready to enjoy the season. But at Pools of Fun, we also want to make sure that you stay safe while swimming so you can enjoy this swim season to its fullest. Water safety is incredibly important in all seasons, and Water Safety Month lands in May, starting the swimming season off with caution and awareness of drowning prevention and other safety concerns. National Water Safety Month is a campaign led by the American Red Cross, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, World Waterpark Association, and National Recreation and Park Association. There are several important things to do to prevent tragedies while swimming. Celebrate the month by actively reminding yourself and those around you of these safe swimming tips.
Swim With Friends
Swimming with others is fun — and it’s safer! In the event of an emergency, having others around allows for faster reactions to dangerous conditions or accidents. Be sure someone has a cell phone nearby before swimming, in case of an emergency. Sociable swims, as well as swims around lifeguards, create a safer place to swim. Never swim without a buddy, no matter how much of an experienced swimmer you are.
Keep an Eye on Kids
In the same way that swimming with others allows them to look out for you, it’s important to keep an eye on kids who are swimming. Whether your kid is excited about jumping in as quickly as possible, splashing all around, or nervously sitting near the edge, make sure someone is always actively watching the kids playing in and around the pool. Never leave children alone or unattended, and be sure to clean up pool toys when they’re not in use. Teach kids to walk around the pool, to make sure they don’t slip and hurt themselves.
Swim Education
Not everyone can swim, so keep an open dialogue with those who you plan to go swimming with. Make sure the people in your life have had swimming lessons before going out into the water, and that inexperienced swimmers have proper floatation devices. It’s also important to remember that swimming out to a drowning swimmer if you are untrained isn’t safe — they’re more likely to pull you down in a panic to save themselves. Rather, reaching out a hand or extending a floatation device is more likely to help them reach safety.
Safe Environments
The safer your swim environment is, the safer your swimming is. For starters, make sure your installed pool meets local Indiana pool codes. Then it’s safe to install fences or other barriers around your pool, to prevent someone from wandering too close accidentally and falling in. An important additional way to prevent this is a pool cover. Make sure your pool is clear of hazards and pool toys — unused toys should be out of the pool and out of sight, making them neither a tripping hazard nor a temptation to a younger or less-experienced swimmer. Maintaining a safe pool area will improve everyone’s safety.
Enjoy the warm Indiana weather, and stay safe this Memorial Day Weekend!
For expert pool care and installation in Indiana, contact Pools of Fun today.