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Is there anything more pathetic looking than a golden retriever with what my wife Mary calls a “summer puppy cut?” I know that Gracie’s much more comfortable running and playing outside without her thick fur coat on, but it does take me a few weeks for me to get used to the look. It is great though when she gets into the pool. This dog is anxious to chase a tennis ball into the pool exactly one time more than you can handle — she never has enough. With her winter coat she’d drag at least a gallon of water out each time she climbs out of the pool. Now with the puppy cut it’s a little less like the flood of 1972!
Spending your days by a pool with friends and family, even a knucklehead golden ball-chasing swim fiend, can make for a very fun summer. But in between lying on a lounge chair, doing cannon balls into the deep end and avoiding Gracie’s “shake”, it’s important to remember that swimming pools actually pose quite serious dangers to adults and children alike.
If you’re at a public pool or a swim club, you’re likely surrounded by trained and certified lifeguards with safety rules posted where you can clearly see them. All of these things are set in place to properly handle an emergency should one occur. But these aren’t likely at a home pool.
Anywhere there is water, there is a risk for drowning. That’s why it’s crucial to be vigilant about safety when you and your children are in or near a pool.
Tragically, the American Red Cross reports that more than 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. As unfortunate as this statistic is, drowning isn’t the only potential danger around a pool – fatal and non-fatal injuries can stem from electrical defects, slippery sidewalks, ladders, diving boards, slides and more.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to avoid fatal and non-fatal swimming pool-related injuries.
You should always supervise children when at a pool, even if there is a lifeguard. Even if your child has taken swim lessons, don’t assume they’re safe in the water.
You can also help prevent drowning and other pool-related injuries by teaching your kids how to be safe around a pool.
Make sure your children learn how to swim and teach them they should never swim alone. You should also talk to them about not sticking their fingers, toes or any other body parts into drains or playing in a way that their hair gets near a drain cover.
Children should also be taught not to run or push near a pool or playfully scream for help that could mask a real emergency.
Jumping and diving into pools is one of the ways you and your kids have fun in a pool, but there are safety measures you should follow for that as well.
Never dive into a pool that is less than 5-feet deep. Make sure your hands are in front of your face when you dive.
Keep an eye on the sky and be on the lookout for storms. You should never swim before, during or after a thunderstorm.
When it comes to adult pool parties, be mindful of how much alcohol is consumed.
Just two or three alcoholic drinks can affect your judgment, even though you may not feel or appear drunk. A small amount of alcohol can slow your reflexes.
If you’re the pool owner, you can make sure everyone stays safe as well. Install fences or walls, at least 4-feet high, around your pool; these should include gates that are self-closing and self-latching, and are out of reach of small children. You can also install alarms on doors leading to your pool area.
Prevent anyone from getting trapped underwater by making sure the drain covers are fitted properly. Keeping rescue equipment close by can enable you to quickly diffuse any emergency situations. You should always be prepared for an emergency by knowing how to turn off all pool equipment and lights quickly, knowing CPR and keeping a first aid kit near the pool.
And tennis balls…keep lots and lots of tennis balls around…Gracie might just show up…