3 Tips for Pool Safety

As the dog days of summer drag on, the pool is probably your family’s favorite hangout. But accidental drownings are the leading cause of death in children in the United States.¹ To help keep your family safe this summer, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, have put together these 3 tips for pool safety that every homeowner should know.

1. Create a Barrier

An enclosed fence on all four sides of the pool is a key safety feature that should coincide with a pool’s installation. The lock on the gate should be higher than a child’s reach and should be self-closing and latching. For above-ground pools, remove the ladder or steps when not in use, as well as any other equipment that could be used to gain access.

Consider installing a locking pool cover.² Use a safety float line to partition off the deep end for young swimmers. Use childproof window and door locks on the side facing the pool.

“Barriers are essential for keeping children away from water,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “However, it is good advice that if your child is missing, check the water first.”

2. Install an Alarm

Alarms can alert adults to a child trying to gain access to a pool without supervision. Since 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in the water, a warning alarm could save a life.²

There are several options for alarms. They can be installed on patio doors that lead out to the pool, on the gate of the fence that provides the pool barrier, or installed in the water as a sensor for a child unexpectedly entering the water.

3. Invest in Education

While purchasing alarms and barriers seem like sensible investments, you can also prepare your children for pool safety by investing in their education. At the earliest age that is appropriate, take them to swimming lessons. Spend time regularly reviewing pool rules and then enforcing them. Finally, attend CPR training to know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Here are some common pool rules to get you started:

• No swimming without an adult present
• No swimming without permission
• No entering pool area without an adult present
• No running around the pool
• No diving (or dive only in deep end, if applicable)
• No alcohol and swimming
• No roughhousing or pushing into the pool
• Stay away from drains and filters

“While drowning is a parent’s biggest fear when it comes to pool safety, running on wet pavement is also a concern. Kids racing around a pool to jump in can have a serious slip and fall injury,” said Dr. Khan. “We see a lot of lacerations on chins and concussions from this common accident.”

Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

While these pool safety tips will help prevent many accidents, children or adults may still inhale water or have other pool-related emergencies. That’s why Medco ER & Urgent Care is open 24/7 to provide immediate access to quality healthcare right when you need it the most.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html

² https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html