This is part 2 of our look at pool safety tips, as we prepare for fun in the sun this summer. You can view Pool Safety Tips Part 1 by clicking here. Without further delay, here four additional tips to keep you and your family safe at the pool:
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Have the right equipment
Children who are just learning to swim or will be in the water for a long period of time and could become tired should wear a flotation device. The most common flotation devices are life jackets. “Floaties,” inflatable toys, and rafts should not be used a flotation devices because they are not designed to keep children afloat and ultimately alive.
You should also have a first-aid kit ready and easily accessible. Click here to see what you should have in the safety kit.
Have a hook, which can be used by someone standing out of the pool to pull a simmer out of the pool. Also have a life buoy, which is usually a circular raft with a rope attached to get a swimmer in danger our of the pool and into safety. -
Make and enforce safety rules
Some common rules include (a) no diving, (b) no running, and (c) no horseplay or rough-housing in our out of the pool. Rules should be posted near the entrance so that every person who comes to the pool will see the rules.
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Keep your pool clean
Chlorine keeps your pool clean and healthy to swim in. Use of chlorine, though, will change or alter the PH level in your pool. Make sure that your PH level is between 7.2 and 7.4. In addition to PH, make sure your water’s calcium hardness is in check. The hardness level should be between 200 and 400. If the rating is below 200, then add calcium, if it is above 400, then dilute the calcium by adding water to the pool. While these things may seem like boring maintenance, they are important to safety because a clean pool, with clear water will make identifying children who are struggling or even drowning easier and safer.
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Know what to do in the event of an emergency
Swimmers in trouble should be immediately brought to a safe area, their airway should be checked, and then CPR administered if necessary. In the meantime, call 9-1-1 and use appropriate equipment. Make sure children know how to call 9-1-1 and how they can access a phone to call. For parents, make sure they know where the safety equipment is and how to use it.
We would prefer to never get another call from a family who has lost a child in a pool-related accident, but statistically-speaking, pool accidents will happen and children will be injured. Hopefully these tips make it less likely that this will happen in your neighborhood, in Atlanta, in Georgia, or anywhere for that matter. If you do need help though, we have experience with pool cases, and will do everything in our power to determine the cause of the accident, analyze whether it could have been prevented, and what steps you should take to achieve full and complete justice. If you would like to talk to someone from the Rafi Law Firm, please contact us.