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- Dive Into National Water Safety Month With These 6 Tips
In the United States, May is recognized as National Water Safety Month. This annual event is coordinated by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) with support from American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, National Recreation and Park Association, and World Waterpark Association, and Pentair is proud to sponsor this year’s awareness program.
The goal of this annual program is to educate American swimmers on the importance of poolside safety. Participants can take the “I’m a Safe Swimmer” Pledge to get started, but it’s equally as important to adopt a student mindset when it comes to safety. In every facet of life, learning keeps your skills sharp, and this is particularly essential for aquatics. Read on to discover some useful tips for incorporating more safety-centric practices at your home pool.
1. Before you dive in, aim to create a safer swim environment.
As a pool or spa owner, you know that maintenance is important to maintaining the safest water dreamscape possible. From repairing broken tiles to keeping your pool equipment in tip-top shape, your attentiveness now could prevent a sunny day emergency.
To help get you started, Pool Safely has a catalogue of swim safety resources you can reference. Getting to know the equipment at your pool and the do's and don'ts of maintenance can also be valuable knowledge to keep in your toolkit. For example, understanding the safe and proper procedures for servicing a Clean & Clear® Plus Cartridge Filter can prevent injuries at your pool. Be sure to consult your pool professional, and check out this video for some valuable insight:
2. Keep an eye out when your kids
are making a splash.
As a pool owner and parent, your poolside responsibilities are amplified. Pools are a place where families can make swim-tastic memories, and the right precautions can amplify each experience. Be sure to follow your local regulations, keep the pool locked up when not in use, and always use the buddy system when swimming. For more kid-friendly swim tips, be sure to check out the Pentair article on pool safety tips for parents.
3. Always have an emergency preparedness plan.
As a homeowner, you are often advised to have emergency kits for natural disasters common in your area. As a pool owner, knowing the proper protocol for emergencies can save lives. You should:
- Have a first aid kit handy.
Bumps and cuts happen, especially when swimmers bump into each other or brush against the wall of the pool. Make sure you have a first aid kit near the pool in a place that’s easy to access. - Brush up on CPR.
Knowing the proper safety procedures is essential in every facet of life. Make sure you know CPR as a pool owner, and if you don’t, consider taking a class from the American Red Cross. - Understand what signs to look for.
Water aspiration, heat stroke, tendonitis, and other injuries can cause problems for swimmers. Know what these issues look like and when to dial 911 for serious concerns.
4. Remember that little actions can go a long way.
Swim safety doesn’t start when you walk up to the pool. Before you even dive in, make sure you and other swimmers are well-hydrated. Always wear sunscreen and opt for waterproof lotion if you can find it.
Two to three hours before your dip in the pool, a serving of proteins and carbohydrates can provide you with energy to keep the fun going. Making healthy food choices during pool season is good for your physical health, but it can also provide you with the energy you need to ensure every poolside experience goes swimmingly.
5. Know when to call out a pool pro.
In addition to creating a safer swim environment, leaning on a pool servicer can help you keep your pool in safe operating conditions. Qualified pool professionals can help keep your equipment in ready-to-use condition, and they can also check to make sure your drains have compliant covers.
Do you have a go-to pool pro? If not, you can find a Pentair Dealer right here on the Pentair website. In addition to being your partner in keeping your pool dive-in ready, these professionals can help you spend less time maintaining your equipment and more time enjoying your backyard oasis.
6. Prepare for a summer of fun.
Pools are an incredibly fun addition to any backyard, and they amplify warm-weather outdoor enjoyment. With the proper safety measures in place, you can enjoy an entire season of fun. There’s no better time to prepare your pool than National Water Safety Month!