Water Safety for Children

Pool safety and children

Backyard pool entertaining is quite popular during the summertime and especially now when people are encouraged to stay home.  Families can gather outside around the pool and even invite a small group of friends to join them.  At Goodall Pools & Spas, we offer some water safety tips for children to make sure playing in the pool does not turn to tragedy.

Constant Adult Supervision Is the First “Layer of Protection” Against Accidental Drowning

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has issued its “layers of protection” recommendations for water safety for children.  The first layer of protection against accidental drowning in backyard pools or spas is constant adult supervision of children who are in and around the pool.  The supervisor must be acutely aware of the following:

  • There must always be a designated “water-watcher.”  No child should ever be left in a pool without adult supervision.  It is not enough to just know there are adults in the backyard.  There must be a designated “watcher.”  Eyes cannot be taken off of the children for even a second.  It only takes a moment for a child to sink below the surface and drown. Children have drowned even when several adults were around the pool, but no one was specifically charged with watching the children.
  • Know what drowning looks like.  Children who are in trouble in a pool do not shriek and shout and yell.  They do not flail their arms.  They quietly bob up and down as they try to push themselves to the top so they can grab a breath.

If the watcher needs to leave for a moment, her or she must have another adult take their place.  Adult eyes must never leave children playing and swimming in the pool.

Use Pool Barriers and Warning Devices for Water Safety

Another layer of protection for owners of pools, spas, and hot tubs is to be sure their specific water feature is safe from causing accidents that might result from curious children or faulty equipment.  Some things to check include:

  • Safety barrier around the pool.  Check with your state or local government to learn what the specific rules are in your neighborhood about fencing your pool or spa and for latching your gate.
  • Safety barrier on top of the pool.  An impenetrable cover over the pool completely blocks access to the water.  It should always be locked when the pool is not in use.
  • Alarming the pool barriers.  Alarms can tell you when the gate is opened, when the pool cover is removed, and an alarm in the pool itself can alert you if anyone goes into the pool without your knowledge.

For more safety tips, information about the legal requirements for pool barriers in your neighborhood, and general information about your pool and spa, contact us at Goodall Pools & Spas for help.

Love what you read? Share it!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Read More of
Our Blogs

7 Cool and Refreshing Hot Tub Appetizers for Your Thanksgiving Guests
20Nov

7 Cool and Refreshing Hot Tub Appetizers for Your Thanksgiving Guests

Greetings, hot tub habitues and spaficianados!  The gourmands at Goodall Pool & Spa are back with a foodie-approved way to work your spa into your

Drain and Fill Your Sundance Spa: A Step-by-Step Guide
13Nov

Drain and Fill Your Sundance Spa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Greetings, fellow spa enthusiasts! Today at Goodall Pools & Spas, we’re delving into the nitty-gritty of spa maintenance, specifically, a step-by-step guide on how to

7 Cool and Refreshing Hot Tub Appetizers for Your Thanksgiving Guests
20Nov

7 Cool and Refreshing Hot Tub Appetizers for Your Thanksgiving Guests

Greetings, hot tub habitues and spaficianados!  The gourmands at Goodall Pool & Spa are back with a foodie-approved way to work your spa into your

Drain and Fill Your Sundance Spa: A Step-by-Step Guide
13Nov

Drain and Fill Your Sundance Spa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Greetings, fellow spa enthusiasts! Today at Goodall Pools & Spas, we’re delving into the nitty-gritty of spa maintenance, specifically, a step-by-step guide on how to

Jumpstart Your Holiday with 5 Hot Tub Staycation Ideas
13Nov

Jumpstart Your Holiday with 5 Hot Tub Staycation Ideas

If you’re like the team here at Goodall Pools & Spas, you relish every free moment you can spend enjoying your hot tub.  So what

Discover 5 Benefits of Professional Hot Tub Chemicals
06Nov

Discover 5 Benefits of Professional Hot Tub Chemicals

Greetings, hot tub enthusiasts! We’re here to dive deep into the world of hot tub chemicals and unveil the not-so-secret treasure of money-saving magic they

The Best Place to Buy a Hot Tub in Harrisburg, PA
06Nov

The Best Place to Buy a Hot Tub in Harrisburg, PA

Imagine coming home after a long, tiring day, and stepping into a warm, bubbling oasis right in your backyard. A hot tub isn’t just a

What a Backyard Hot Tub Brings to Your Home Life
23Oct

What a Backyard Hot Tub Brings to Your Home Life

Ah, the joys of outdoor living! Picture a lush backyard oasis, laughter dancing in the air, and your bubbling hot tub beckoning you to unwind.

Goodall Pools & Spas logo

Let one of our professional team members help you achieve your dreams and answer any questions you might have.