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	Swimming Safety Swimming Safety Swimming Pool Security The Deck Area And Pool Pool Maintanance Supervision Swimming Safety Source: National Safety Council, a Charter Member of Home Safety Council How many times during the summer do you think, "If only I could jump into a swimming pool?" Summer is a time when people of all ages like to dive into a pool or lake to get a little relief from the heat. Many recreational hours are spent in, on and around the water. Too often, however, what starts out to be a little summer fun turns into a tragedy. Drownings claim about 4,800 lives each year and are the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Several hundred drownings are associated with residential swimming pools each year. Medical groups report that swimming accidents cause about 450 to 500 spinal injuries each year, many of which result in permanent paralysis of the victim. There are more than 6.5 million residential swimming pools in the U.S. today and the number is growing steadily. About half of all drownings in swimming pools happen on home premises. The following articles discuss swimming safety in general and swimming pool safety in particular. Swimming On a scorching summer day, nothing is quite as refreshing as jumping into the nearest body of water. Many hours are spent in, on and around water as people of all ages seek a little relief from the latest heat wave. As cool and inviting as it may look, water can be a killer. Drownings claim about 4,800 lives each year and are the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Most drownings occur in natural water environments (lakes, rivers and oceans), and most swimming pool accidents happen in privately owned facilities found in homes, apartments, hotels and resorts. Unintentional entry into water accounts for more than half of all drownings and includes trips and falls from docks, boats, bridges and pool perimeters. These accidents are often the result of horseplay, roughhousing, the use of alcohol and/or drugs, or a child's curiosity. Swimming accidents cause hundreds of spinal injuries each year, many resulting in permanent paralysis for the victim. These injuries are caused by diving head first or too deep into shallow water, diving into objects or other swimmers, diving from high places, and diving into water of unknown depth. Most serious injuries, about 95 percent, result from dives into water less than five feet deep. The majority of water-related accidents are preventable. By following simple safety rules, acquiring swimming and diving skills, and recognizing hazardous situations, you can avoid a tragedy. The following swimming and diving precautions from the National Safety Council can help you make it a a safe summer. Seek swimming instruction from a qualified instructor for you and your children. Many water-related accidents occur when people are mistakenly confident about their swimming ability. Take the time to develop complete swimming and diving skills. Never swim alone and, when possible, confine your water activity to areas supervised by lifeguards. Children must be supervised constantly by a responsible adult whenever they are in or around water. Obey posted safety rules. Know and do not try to exceed your swimming limitations. Avoid swiftly moving water. If caught in a current, swim in the same direction as the current and angle towards the shore until you reach safety. Stay out of the water during thunderstorms and other extreme weather conditions. If lightning starts, get out of (or off of) the water and seek shelter away from metal objects, large trees and open areas. Know your capacity for rescuing a swimmer. Only experienced, properly trained swimmers should themselves attempt to rescue someone in trouble. Learn and practice the basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. know how to throw a line or ring buoy to a swimmer in trouble -- in an emergency you can use anything that floats. If you are a poor swimmer, d not rely on inner tubes or other inflatable objects for protection. The only reliable device is a life vest or life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Life vests should be worn at all times when boating. Non-swimmers should be supervised and should wear comfortable, properly fitting life vests when in or near the water. Always check water depth before diving -- enter feet first if you are not sure of the depth. Never dive into an above-ground pool. When diving, always enter the water with your arms extended firmly overhead and keep your hands together to protect your head. Avoid the use of alcohol or other drugs when you are around water. Keep Your Swimming Pool Safe Pool Security All swimming pools (above-ground and in-ground) should be enclosed by a fence, wall or other barrier to discourage climbing or penetration. The minimum height of this barrier should be at least four feet and preferably five feet high. Several types of pool covers provide additional safety and security but should not be considered as a suitable substitute for a pool fence or barrier. Pool covers are particularly useful for keeping a pool clean and protected during long periods of non-use (vacation and off-seasons). Excess water from rain, snow or leakage should not be allowed to accumulate on the top of pool covers. This should be pumped or drained off so as not to present a drowning hazard. Never leave children unattended in the pool area for any reason. If you plan on being away for an extended length of time, arrange for someone to regularly check the pool. Be sure they know how to gain access in an emergency. Pool and perimeter alarm systems are also available to provide additional security. The Deck Area and Pool Basic lifesaving equipment -- a strong, lightweight pole (10-12 ft.) and a ring buoy with line attached -- should be kept in a pool area at all times. Emergency phone numbers (police, fire, hospital, rescue squad/paramedics, etc.) should always be kept on hand. A phone should be readily accessible. Diving into shallow water can result in cervical spine injuries causing permanent paralysis. Prohibit diving into above-ground pools. Pool Maintenance The pool deck must be kept clear of debris and tripping hazards. Only non-breakable items should be allowed in the pool area -- never bottles or other articles made from glass. The pool should be cleaned and vacuumed regularly. Water quality (pH and chlorine levels) should be checked several times a day and maintained to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Read the directions thoroughly for the use of all pool chemicals. If you have any questions, consult a pool supply service or dealer. All chemicals should be stored in a safe, dry and secure area away from the pool and out of children's reach. Supervision Never leave a child alone out of eye contact while he or she is in or near the pool. Pool rules, safety measures and procedures, water depths, etc., should be discussed and pointed out to guest before they enter the water. Inflatable toys and mattresses should be used with caution. Children and non-swimmers can easily fall off of or slide out of these devices and quickly find themselves in trouble. The only reliable flotation aid is a properly fitted and maintained U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest/life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device. *Source:National Safety Council, Itasca, IL © 1997 Lowe's Companies, Inc. Lowe's is a registered trademark of The LF Corp.

Swimming Safety