Pool Safety

If you have a pool, Ben Goodwyn Agency suggests taking the following safety precautions:

1. Completely surround the pool with a four-sided barrier such as a fence with self closing gates. If the house opens into the enclosed area, install alarms on doors leading to the pool area to prevent children from wandering into the pool or spa unsupervised. Consider creating several “layers of protection” around the pool, in other words setting up as many barriers (door alarms, locks and safety covers) as possible to the pool area when not in use.
2. Never leave small children unsupervised—even for a few seconds. Also never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use as they may be a deadly temptation for toddlers trying to reach them who might then fall into the pool.
3. Keep children away from pool filters (and other mechanical devices) as the suction force may injure them or prevent them from surfacing. Know how to shut off these devices and clearly post this information so others can do so too in case of an emergency, .
4. Ask if pool users know how to swim. Learners should be accompanied by a good swimmer. If you have children, have them take swimming lessons as early as possible. And, do not allow anyone to swim alone.
5. Check the pool area regularly for potential accident hazards. Keep CD players, radios and other electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.
6. Limit alcohol use around the pool. Drinking alcoholic beverages negatively impacts balance, coordination and judgment—and its effects are further heightened by sun exposure and heat. The Centers for Disease Control  reports that alcohol use is involved in up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation.
7. Clearly post emergency numbers on the phone, in the event of an accident. Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys and reaching poles near the pool. You may also want to consider learning basic water rescue skills, including first aid and CPR training. For additional information, contact the American Red Cross.

Contact Ben Goodwyn Agency at 972.618.0100 or www.bengoodwynagency.com