Ensuring your Families Safety beyond Insurance Part 3: Pool Safety
By: Mary Thompson, Capstone Brokerage President, June 16, 2016
Summer has arrived in Las Vegas, with temperatures already reaching over 100, many families are headed to the pools to cool down. If you are lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard there is an added responsibility not only to maintain the pool, as well as safety must haves, and best practices to implement. Sadly, over 200 young children will drown in a backyard pool this year. Just like last month’s keeping your family safe topic:Fire Safety and Escape Planning . I have also created a swimming pool safety check list. A pool can be a fun form of summer entertainment, with an added need to keep children, friends, and family safe.
Safety tips:
• Perhaps the MOST important pool safety measure all homes should have is secure fencing. A locked entrance around the pool and deck area to prevent access when adequate supervision is not available. Install self-closing and self-latching gates in the proper locations.
• Individuals should NEVER swim alone. Even the most advanced swimmer can hit their head causing a very unsafe situation.
• Not only should a pool have a secure fence, it is also smart to install an audible alarm that sounds if someone enters the pool or even falls in.
• All home pools should have a life saving kit easily accessible near the pool, such as life preservers, a rope, and life-saving ring or rescue hook.
• After using the pool make sure all toys, floats, balls, etc. have been taken out. Anything left floating in a pool can become a hazard.
• Make sure to never use glass near a pool.
Pool maintenance safety:
Another area of safety to consider is pools maintenance. Having a pool checked before the season and once a month is smart to be sure everything is in working order.
• Chemicals can be VERY dangerous and should always be stored properly away from the pool area. Be sure to read the storage instructions recommended by the chemical manufacturer.
• Electrical devices used outdoors should be kept away from the pool. There is a risk of electrical shock anytime there is water and anything with a plug.
• Make sure all entertainment systems are not close to the pool and away from where water gathers.
• Check the pool decking for hazards.
• Check stair handrails to be sure they are secure and the structure safe for someone leaning or grabbing onto the rails.
• For above ground pools check the metal support. The support is what keeps the pools structural integrity; an above ground pool poses a risk for ruptures.
• Lastly, have pool anti-entrapment drain covers inspected, to ensure they are not broken or missing.
Don’t have a pool in your backyard? That is ok, many neighborhoods have community centers that allow homeowners and renters access to a community pool.
When visiting a community pool this summer remember these added safety tips:
• Always watch your children and loved ones. Crowded pools can come with added safety concerns. You must always be alert!
• Be sure to shower before and after swimming in a public pool.
• Check the pool for exits and depth.
• Check to make sure the drain covers are in place. Without them there is a serious safety risk.
• Look around the pool to see where the safety devices are in the event of a drowning or near downing. You want to know where life saving devices are.
Pool safety and your homeowner’s insurance policy:
As many homeowners with pools in their yard know the added luxury of a pool often means added cost for your homeowners insurance. Last year, in June I discussed what to expect from your homeowners insurance policy when a home with a pool is being insured. For more information on your specific coverage on your homeowners policy be sure to contact your insurance company or broker. Coverage should be evaluated annually to make sure you have adequate protection.
Categories
- Benefits Resources
- Bonding
- BOP
- Business Insurance
- Commercial Auto
- Commercial Property
- Company News
- Construction
- Crime Insurance
- Cyber Insurance
- Directors & Officers
- Employee Benefits
- Employment Practice Liability Insurance
- Entertainment
- General Liability
- Health Insurance
- Healthcare
- Healthcare Reform
- Homeowners Insurance
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Medical Malpractice
- Mining & Energy
- Nightclubs
- Personal Auto
- Personal Insurance
- Professional
- Restaurants
- Retail & Wholesale
- Risk Management Resources
- Safety Topics
- SBA Bonds
- Security
- Seminars
- Technology
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Uncategorized
- Workers Compensation
Archives
- May 2021
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- November 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- February 2013
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- March 2011
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- April 2010
- February 2010
- November 2009
- October 2009
- November 2008
- August 2008