Many of us enjoy backyard swimming pools and hot tubs in the summer months. However, if proper safety precautions are not taken, swimming can be an exceedingly dangerous pastime, especially for children. Tragically, over 200 young children drown in swimming pools and hot tubs each year.
Home pool and hot tub owners have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their premises. If a visitor is injured due to an unsafe pool or hot tub, the owners or managers may be held liable for damages.
The following guidelines can help prevent horrific swimming accidents from happening:
1. Install a Fence Around Your Pool
Make sure your pool is surrounded by a fence or barrier of at least four feet tall with a self-closing latch that a child cannot enter on his or her own. Ensure your pool is covered when not in use and remove any ladders that allow for easy access.
2. Make Sure Children are Supervised at All Times
Children must be supervised in the pool and within arm’s length at all times. Never allow children to swim alone and consider a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for children and inexperienced swimmers.
3. All Swimmers Should Be Properly Trained
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to swim by taking swim classes. Also, ensure everyone in the household knows how to respond to pool-related emergencies and can properly perform CPR in the event of a crisis.
4. Maintain Your Pool
Keep your pool and hot tub clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration.
5. Set Clear Rules and Make Sure All Swimmers Follow Them
Establish and enforce a clear set of rules such as “No Running”; “No Diving”; and “Stay Away from Drain Covers.” You may want to hang signs to reinforce the rules and remind swimmers to obey them.
At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we strive to protect the investments of homeowners like you. Our comprehensive policies are customized for you to provide the exact coverage you need. For more information, contact us today at (800) 439-0292.
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