Pool Safety for Swimming Pools and Spas

Pool Safety

BE AWARE, Drowning and Accidents do happen!

DROWNING:

Drowning can occur suddenly and without warning.  You may not hear or see the swimmer in distress, in fact, drowning is often referred to as the silent killer. Statistically, most drowning incidents involve children under 5 years of age.  But even adult swimmers may drown if they become entrapped, hit their head, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Therefore the best prevention is Attention.  Parents should carefully monitor their children or employ a designated watcher.  Additionally, not swimming alone for older children and adults is good safety practice.

Entrapment: 

Entrapment can result in drowning or serious injury.  Entrapment  means a body part (limb, hair, etc) becomes trapped by pool fixtures, features, etc.  Often the victim cannot disengage themselves and require immediate assistance.

The main drain can be a source of entrapment.  Although new code requirements dictate dual main drains, and no direct suction to the pump there are numerous pools that have not been retrofitted to the new standard.  Accordingly, avoid swimming near the main drain, especially if you have long hair.  If the main drain cover (grate) is broken or missing, notify staff or management immediately.  The swimming pool or spa should be closed until the situation is corrected.

Another possible entrapment source is the swimming pool or spa vacuum line.  If the pool vacuum pump is ON and the vacuum line cover plate is missing, hair or a limb could become entrapped in the plumbing line.  Once again, if you see a open vacuum line or you feel suction at any opening in the pool, please notify the staff or management immediately.

Finally, be especially aware around wading or kiddie pools.  If there is only a single main drain installed in a shallow pool, (absent other safety devices), a child/person sitting on the main drain could block the pump suction and become disemboweled.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION:

Accident prevention in the swimming pool and/or spa and deck area requires due diligence.

Look out for the following:

• Cracked/broken deck tiles
• Cracked/ broken coping blocks
  
• Sharp edges on perimeter tile
  
• Entry ladders that are loose in their mounts
  
• Entry ladders that are sprung, i.e. exceed max allowed clearance between the wall and bottom rungs. A child could become trapped behind a sprung ladder.
  
• Observe and follow the NO DIVE and DEPTH MARKER TILES.
  

WATER CLARITY:

Water clarity is very important.  Cloudy water presents a hazard to swimmers and should be avoided.  The water should be clear enough to see the main drain on the bottom of the deep end of the pool.  Water that is not clear indicates there is a problem: either with the water chemistry or the pump/filtration equipment.  Inform staff or management immediately if you suspect a problem.

Other issues:

Safety Equipment: (commercial pools and spas)

•    Life hook securely mounted on 16 ft straight pole, placed in visible and easily accessed location.
•    Life ring with appropriately sized throw rope placed in visible and easily accessed location.
  
•    Depending on the size of your swimming pool, you may need more than 1 life hook and life ring
  
•    Requisite NO DIVE and DEPTH MARKER tiles