Pool Safety 101: All You Need to Know to Protect Your Kids and Pets

Your swimming pool is supposed to be a place of recreation and fun during those hot summer months.  But sadly, year after year, many children and pets drown due to lack of supervision and adequate protective measures. Although we know that no young children should be in the pool without an adult, your pets and kids can move fast and enter the pool in a matter of seconds. To ensure you have adequate measures in place for pool safety here’s all you need to know to keep your little ones safe in or around the pool.

Take Water Safety Training

You can never be too careful when it comes to pool safety. If you own a pool, it’s wise to take both water safety training and a first aid class to learn what to do if someone is found unconscious underwater.

Keep The Area Around The Pool Clear

The pool area should always be clear. Tripping hazards, like toys and lawn decorations, should be kept tucked away from the poolside. And of course, any electrical cords or appliances should also be stored at a safe distance from the water.

Limit The Number of People In The Pool

The more kids you have in the pool at the same time, the greater they are at risk. Limiting the number of kids that are in the water can let you or other adults safely monitor playtime while ensuring your view is unobstructed. Too many kids at one time can make it easier to lose sight of each one.

Install A Fence

A pool fence is your first line of defence when it comes to keeping your kids and pets safe. However, unless there are a good latch and locking mechanism in place, it can prove to be quite useless for keeping them out of the pool area when you’re not around. Always ensure that you follow local bylaws and have the perimeter secured at all times when it’s not in use.

Add A Pool Alarm

Even a fence isn’t entirely foolproof. If someone accidentally leaves the gate open, your kids and pets could be at danger from slipping in the pool and drowning. That’s why it’s important to have a door and pool alarm installed as well to notify you if someone has left the house and entered the pool.

Use A Safety Pool Cover

Pets and children can easily confuse the pool cover for solid ground, especially during the wintertime. By installing a rigid, power safety pool cover, you can keep them safe from falling in if they happen to step onto the cover.

Keep Close Watch

Just because you have an alarm and cover in place, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to keep close watch anymore. Systems can fail, and accidents can still happen in seconds. So when your kids and pets are out in the backyard, always keep an eye on them.

Train Everyone

You shouldn’t be the only one who knows the rules and what to do in the case of an emergency. Your teens, babysitter, dog walker, and neighbours should also be informed about pool safety measures that are in place. Let them know what to do in the event that an alarm is sounded or if they spot an unsupervised child or dog near the pool. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer in your pool! When you require pool safety features for your backyard, contact us at Rideau Pools, and we’ll help equip your pool with everything you need!