9 Summer Pool Safety Tips For Tampa Bay Residents

Summer in Florida means sunny skies, warm temperatures, and plenty of pool time. While swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and cool off, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a fun and accident-free experience. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our community. To help keep your family safe, we’ve compiled nine essential pool safety tips for this summer.

The Importance of Pool Safety

Before diving into the specific tips, it’s essential to understand the gravity of pool safety. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for young children, especially in states like Florida, where pools are common. Ensuring that your pool area is safe and that everyone understands the importance of pool safety can prevent tragic accidents.

Alarming Drowning Statistics

Tragically, Florida has seen an alarming number of child drownings over the years. According to data from the The Florida Times, at least 97 children drowned to death last year alone. This continues a troubling trend: 93 drownings in 2022, 99 in 2021, 69 in 2020, 65 in 2019, 88 in 2018, and 82 in 2017. These numbers highlight the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect our children around water.

1. Never Leave Children Unattended

Keeping a vigilant eye on children in or near water is the most crucial safety measure. Drowning can happen in seconds, and it often occurs silently. Children are naturally curious and can easily wander towards water. Assigning a responsible adult as a “water watcher” ensures that there’s always someone focused on supervising the kids. This adult should avoid distractions like phone calls, reading, or socializing and be prepared to intervene if necessary. It’s a good idea to rotate the water watcher role among adults to prevent fatigue and ensure continuous supervision.

Additionally, consider implementing a buddy system where children are paired up and instructed to keep an eye on each other. While this is not a substitute for adult supervision, it adds an extra layer of vigilance and teaches kids to look out for one another.

2. Teach Children to Swim

Swimming lessons are a vital part of water safety. They provide children with the skills and confidence needed to navigate water safely. Enroll your children in swimming classes as early as possible. While swimming lessons do not drown-proof a child, they significantly reduce the risk. Ensure that they learn not just how to swim but also how to float, tread water, and exit the pool independently. Many local community centers, and swim schools offer swimming lessons tailored to different age groups and skill levels.

It’s also beneficial for adults who frequently supervise children around water to take swimming lessons or refresher courses. Understanding water safety and being confident in the water helps adults set a good example and be better prepared to assist in emergencies.

3. Install Pool Barriers

Physical barriers can prevent unsupervised access to the pool area, adding an essential layer of protection. Fencing around the pool should be at least four feet high and include a self-latching gate that opens outward, away from the pool. Consider additional barriers such as pool covers and alarms that alert you if someone enters the pool area. These measures are particularly important for families with young children.

Modern pool alarms can detect movement in the water and send alerts to your phone, providing real-time information about potential accidents. Investing in these technologies can give you peace of mind and an added layer of security. It’s also important to educate everyone in the household, including children, about the significance of these barriers and why they should never try to bypass them.

4. Learn CPR

In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can save a life. Immediate resuscitation can make the difference between life and death. Take a certified CPR course to learn the correct techniques for adults and children. Many organizations offer CPR classes, and some even provide online training options. Being prepared with this knowledge ensures you can act swiftly and effectively if an accident occurs. Encourage all family members and frequent pool visitors to learn CPR as well. The more people who are trained, the better prepared your community is to respond to emergencies. It’s also helpful to practice CPR regularly to keep skills sharp and to update your training as guidelines change.

5. Establish Pool Rules

Setting clear rules for pool use helps ensure that everyone understands and adheres to safety protocols. Common rules should include no running around the pool, no diving in shallow water, and always swimming with a buddy. It’s important to communicate these rules to all pool users, including guests. Consistently enforcing these rules helps create a safe swimming environment.

Consider creating a visible sign listing the pool rules and placing it in a prominent location. This serves as a constant reminder for everyone using the pool. Additionally, having regular family meetings to review and discuss pool safety can reinforce the importance of following these rules.

6. Be Aware of Drain Entrapments

Pool drains can pose a serious risk if not properly covered. Entrapment occurs when a person becomes stuck to a drain due to powerful suction. Make sure all pool drains are compliant with current safety standards and equipped with anti-entrapment covers. Educate swimmers about the dangers of pool drains and advise them to stay clear of these areas. Regularly inspect the drains to ensure they are in good working condition. It’s also wise to teach children to avoid playing near drains and to explain why it’s important. Understanding the potential hazards can help them make safer choices while swimming.

7. Keep Emergency Equipment Nearby

Having the right equipment on hand can significantly improve response times in an emergency. Equip your pool area with easily accessible emergency gear such as life rings, reaching poles, and a first aid kit. Familiarize yourself and other supervising adults with the location and proper use of this equipment. Additionally, keep a charged phone nearby to call for help if needed. Make sure everyone who uses the pool knows where the emergency equipment is located and how to use it. Conducting regular drills ensures that everyone is prepared to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

8. Educate Guests

When hosting pool parties or gatherings, take the time to inform guests about your pool safety rules and expectations. Explain the importance of constant supervision and the pool’s safety features. If children are attending, ensure their parents are aware of the need for vigilant supervision. Providing this information helps everyone stay safe while enjoying the pool.

Consider having a designated “safety briefing” at the start of any pool-related event. This can include a quick overview of the rules, a demonstration of how to use emergency equipment, and assigning water watchers. This proactive approach helps ensure that all guests understand the importance of pool safety.

As an added precaution, when having a pool party with a large number of guests and children, hire a certified lifeguard to have on duty throughout the event.

9. Practice Sun Safety

In addition to water safety, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays. Encourage swimmers to take breaks in the shade, wear protective clothing, and apply waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so ensure everyone drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Providing shaded areas around the pool and keeping extra hats and sunscreen available for guests can help everyone stay sun-safe. It’s also helpful to educate children on the importance of sun protection and to lead by example.

TGH Urgent Care is Here for You

We hope these tips help you enjoy a safe and fun summer by the pool. However, accidents can happen even when we take all the necessary precautions. In cases of a possible drowning, contact 911 immediately, and do not attempt to take the victim to an urgent care facility. For a full list of the conditions that we treat, click here. With over 19 locations in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, we provide convenient access to care when you need it most. Stay safe this summer!