Water Safety Tips All Families Should Know
Drowning Prevention and Awareness Week
So far this year sixteen children have drowned in the state of Texas, prompting lawmakers to declare May 7-14 Drowning Prevention and Awareness Week.
Our hearts go out to all the families who have been affected by these tragic deaths, and we vow to do our part in educating our clients to prevent pool drownings.
Drowning Statistics in Texas
According to the Texas Drowning Prevention Alliance website:
Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 14
For every child that drowns another five end up in the ER for non-fatal submersion injuries
80% of drowning victims are male
African American children ages 5-19 drown in swimming pools at rates 5.5 times higher than Caucasian children
Children with autism are five to fourteen times more likely to drown than children without autism
Tips to Avoid Drowning Accidents
Having a swimming pool means unlimited fun in the water, but as we have said in the past, safety should always come first.
It’s important to realize that anyone can have a pool-related accident, even children and adults who know how to swim.
To help keep your family safe in and around the pool, we urge you to follow these safety guidelines:
1. Make Sure Children are Always Supervised
A responsible adult should always be present when children are playing in or around the pool. Drowning accidents happen quickly and quietly; this means supervisors should not be distracted during pool duty.
2. Use the Buddy System
Drowning accidents can happen to anyone, even adults who are strong swimmers, so it is never safe to go to a pool alone. Plan to go swimming with a friend or make sure a lifeguard is present.
3. Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Knowing CPR can help save a life. If you are interested in learning CPR contact the CPR & First Aid Training Southeast Texas located here in Beaumont. For more information visit www.cprclassesnow.com
4. Keep the Pool Area Clear of Toys
Never leave toys around the pool area as kids may be tempted to enter the area unsupervised and can easily fall into the pool and drown.
5. Don’t Dive into Shallow Water
You should never dive into a body of water including a pool that is less than 6 feet deep.
6. Don’t Go in the Water During a Thunderstorm
It would be best if you got out of the water as soon as you hear thunder or see lightning.
7. Avoid Drinking Too Much Alcohol Around the Pool Area
Swimming drunk can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
8. Fence Your Pool
Install a fence that is at least 4 feet tall, but that still gives you full visibility. Avoid fences that children can easily climb or open on their own.
9. Install a Pool Alarm
A floating or below-water alarm can signal you when someone has entered the pool. Although an alarm is an excellent thing to have it will never be a substitute for proper supervision.
10. Keep you Pool Deck Clean
Slimy or slippery pool decks increase the risk of falls which could result in an accidental drowning if the person is knocked unconscious and falls into the water
11. Beware of Drains
Teach your kids not to play near or sit on pool drains as their hands, feet or hair can become entrapped by the strong suction.
We recommend you to install specially designed drain covers and safety vacuum release systems to prevent entrapment. We sincerely hope these safety tips help prevent drowning-related injuries and deaths and allow you and your family to continue making happy memories around your pool for years to come.
Give us a call if you wish to install a pool alarm, add or replace drain covers, and safety vacuum release systems or power wash your pool deck, we are here to help! If you have any doubts on what to do about making your pool safer, make sure to call Crocodile Pools, we are the experts in keeping your Pool Safe & Clean.
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Quality Pool Maintenance Solutions that ARE Affordable!
A lot of homeowners are concerned with the cost of properly maintaining a pool, but they really shouldn’t be. At Crocodile Pools, we can provide you with superb pool cleaning and maintenance services at a reasonable price. Contact Us to schedule a free evaluation and to set up weekly maintenance so your pool is always safe, beautiful and ready for your family and friends to enjoy!
Join our many other happy customers that now enjoy a beautiful safe, clean pool year-round. Best of all, we’ll save you money!
Crocodile Pools provides Southeast Texas with the highest quality pool maintenance services at the best prices.
