Supervision: Water Watcher
Never leave children unattended near a pool, even for a moment. Designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher” – someone whose sole job is to keep an eye on swimmers, especially younger ones. Then consider rotating, switch the water-watcher every 20 minutes so superhero-level alertness stays one step ahead of fatique. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents.
- Know the address
- Scan the bottom of the pool before leaving and locking up
- Keep count of everyone in the group, not just children
Encourage Swim Lessons Early
Knowing how to swim is a vital skill for both kids and adults. Enrolling children in swimming lessons as early as possible not only builds confidence but also adds an important layer of safety. Programs like Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) can teach even toddlers how to float and self-rescue.
Secure the Pool Area
Barriers
Creating a safe space means installing pool barriers. A fence at least four feet high around all sides of the pool with self-closing and self-latching gates can prevent children from entering the pool area unsupervised.
- Never prop a gate open
- Move outdoor furniture inside the pool fence to prevent children from using it to climb over the fence
- Clear the pool area of toys that could tempt a child to enter the area unsupervised.
- Lock doors that lead to pools.
Alarms
If your home opens directly to the pool, consider door alarms or pool surface alarms as additional safeguards.
Use pool alarms on the gate, doors, and windows. These include alarms on doors inside the home that lead outdoors, and gates that lead to the pool. Don’t forget about the garage access door from the garage to the backyard!
Additional options? Consider a surface wave or underwater alarm to alert you if someone enters the pool.
Keep Safety Equipment Nearby
Have a life ring, reaching pole, and first-aid kit stored close to the pool. These tools should be easy to access in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to keep a phone nearby, just in case you need to call for help quickly.
Floaties Aren’t Safety Jackets
Don’t depend on floating toys; they are not designed to save lives. Water wings might look cute, but they’re toys, not life-saving gear. For kids who can’t swim, life jackets are the best choice – they float AND work.
Pools Aren’t Just Summer Risks
Even in mild climates like Arizona, water-related accidents can happen year-round. Stay alert, even off-season.
Rules and Education
Pool Rules
Establish and enforce pool rules such as:
- No running
- No pushing
- No rough play around the pool
- No swimming or playing with pool drains
- No diving: if the pool is not deep enough, enforce a no diving policy to prevent head and spinal injuries
- No swimming alone: always have a water watcher when kids are swimming – a dedicated, undistracted adult to watch the pool.
Pool Education
Educate everyone in the household:
- Pool drains: Look – Don’t Touch. Pool and spa drain suction or damaged covers can trap swimmers, especially children. It’s important to not play or swim near them.
- CPR certified: Ensure adults in the household are trained in CPR and basic water rescue skills in case of an emergency.
Chemical Safety
Pool chemicals should always be stored in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. Follow the instructions on the labels carefully, and never mix chemicals unless the directions specifically say to do so.
Take The Pool Safely Pledge
Enjoy Your Pool with Confidence
In Arizona, owning a pool is a great way to enjoy the outdoors – but it also comes with responsibility. At Patriot Pools, we care about building safe and beautiful backyards.
Pool safety doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few smart precautions and consistent habits, you can enjoy your pool with confidence, knowing your family and guests are well-protected.
If you have any questions about how to make your backyard safer, the Patriot Pools team is always here to help.
