The summer season is upon us and one of most popular ways to beat the heat is swimming. However, it’s not all fun. Swimming in pools and other bodies of water can still present some dangers. Knowing what is swimming pool safety and how we can practice it has never been more necessary. Water accidents only take a second and could result in injuries or even death.

What is swimming pool safety?

Drowning is among the top causes of injury-related death in kids under 4 years old and teenagers. Weak swimmers, especially children, must not be left unattended. If an accident takes place, even if they survive, it may leave them brain-damaged. Long-term disabilities occur in 5 %to 10% of childhood drowning cases. They could end up paralyzed or slip into a vegetative state.

Understanding what is swimming pool safety can help you avoid such accidents and give you peace of mind while you or your family have fun under the sun.

What are some things to keep in mind?

Supervision is key

Kids must be watched at all times when they are around the pool. Young kids are at most risk because they can drown in less than 2 inches of water in as fast as 30 seconds. Even if the child knows how to swim, it does not guarantee 100% against drowning or related injuries. They might slip on the deck and hit their head, lose consciousness, fall in and drown. For those still learning how to swim, an adult or more experienced swimmer must be within arm’s reach. Remember: flotation devices are not replacements for supervision.

Invest in swimming lessons

Learning how to swim is important whether for yourself or for your child. Kids can start learning as young as 1 year old and there are lessons that are open for both parent and child.

Learn CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a useful technique in many emergency situations. It definitely falls under the scope of what is swimming pool safety. If you don’t know how to give CPR, perform the hands-only variant: give 100 to 120 chest compressions a minute until the medics arrive. But if you’ve had training, check for a pulse and breath. If you don’t detect any, start chest compressions. Give 30 before giving two rescue breaths.

Young kids and babies – except for newborns – can benefit from CPR. This first-aid keeps oxygen-carrying blood to the brain and other organs until professionals can take over. Without the heart pumping blood, oxygen stops reaching the brain and results in damage.

Swimming accidents happen not just to kids, but to adults as well. In those cases, you can practice safe swimming by taking note of the following:

• Know the limits and capabilities of your physical fitness or any medical conditions that can make you more prone to water accidents.
• Swim sober.
• Call for help.
• Never swim alone; if not with your family members or friends, make sure there are lifeguards around.
• In natural bodies of water, be aware of the water environment you’re in – river or ocean currents, temperature, unclear water, underwater hazards (sea urchins or other animals).

Key Takeaway

Every outdoor activity has its pros and cons, and swimming is no exception. For those of you who make a beeline for the pool should be aware of what is swimming pool safety. That goes for other bodies of water like beaches or lakes, too. Always remember to have supervision when you or a child is swimming. Learning how to swim is also a plus. First-aid techniques like CPR are always a handy skill, not just in swimming accident emergencies.

Learn other Safety Tips here.