Swimming Pool Safety Tips

If you own a pool, relaxing in the backyard during the summer months is a great way to beat the heat.  As the homeowner, it is also critical that you take steps to ensure the safety of everyone joining you – and particularly children – in and around the water. This requires installing safety devices and observing proper water safety behaviors.  Here are some safety guidelines you can follow to make sure your friends and family enjoy your pool safely.

  • Do not leave your children or guests alone in the event that they would need assistance. As the homeowner, you are ultimately liable for the safety of others in the pool on your property.

  • Be sure not to swim alone in case you suffer a health problem such as a muscle cramp or heart attack and consequently cannot swim to the side safely without assistance.

  • Always watch your children when they’re in or near a pool or spa. If multiple adults are present, designate one of them to watch the children for a designated amount of time and then rotate. This technique will prevent lapses in supervision.

  • Take lifeguard, first-aid and CPR courses in case anyone needs assistance while on your property. Once old enough, your children should receive this same training.

  • Enroll your children in swimming classes led by a qualified swim instructor. This will minimize the chance that they will have trouble at a home pool.

  • Post emergency numbers in a convenient spot near the pool, in the event of an accident.  Along with these numbers, have a first aid kit, ring buoys and reaching poles near the pool.

  • Know how to shut of filters and other devices and clearly post this information so others can do so in case of an emergency.

  • Use plastic drink ware and serving ware around the pool to minimize the danger of broken glass underfoot, and to protect your pool liner from potential damage.

  • Make sure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers; ask your pool service provider if you don’t know.

  • Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Clare Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Clare Mutual”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Clare Mutual. By providing this information to you, Clare Mutual does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.