As the weather gets warmer in Massachusetts, many of us flock to the Cape for a beach vacation or open our pools to relax and cool down during the summer months.  Although water activities are a highlight of the summer, it is necessary to recognize the importance of pool safety, especially for families with children. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 4,500 people died from drowning from 2020 to 2022. However, there are many ways that you can keep your loved ones safe around pools. Here is a list of some safety tips and tools to help stay safe while you enjoy your summer by the pool or at the beach.

1. Always have a responsible adult watching children

It is important to always have a responsible, alert adult watching children around a pool, or any body of water, at all times. Even turning your head for a moment can lead to a life-altering event if a child goes into a pool without knowing how to swim. When children are in the water, make sure to always have an adult, who is a strong swimmer, in the pool with the children. When children are out of the pool, make sure someone is still always monitoring them to prevent an accident.

2. Never let anyone swim alone, even if they are a strong swimmer

Even strong swimmers can get tired after swimming for a long time, which can lead to dangerous situations. Make sure that anyone swimming in the pool or ocean has someone with them so that there is someone who can help in case of an emergency.

3. Sign children up for swimming lessons

According to the CDC, over half of all adults (55%) in the United States have never taken a swimming lesson. Swimming lessons are the best way to learn basic swimming and water safety skills, which are vital when one is in or around water. Not only can these skills help protect oneself, but they can also save another person’s life in a dangerous situation. It is important to teach children these skills at a young age so that they know how to stay safe and feel confident around water.

4. Install pool safety alarms or sensors

Pool safety alarms are one of the best ways to prevent a dangerous situation from happening. Some pool safety alarms can be attached to the gate to the pool, notifying the pool owner that someone is about to enter the pool. If a child slips away and tries to enter the pool without a parent’s knowledge, the alarm will notify the parent before the accident even begins to happen. Pool safety sensors are another great option. Pool sensors can either be installed on the water surface, below the surface, or along the perimeter of the pool. Pool sensors send an alert when there is a change in water movement or pressure, notifying the owner that someone has entered the water. Pool safety alarms and sensors are great options for owners to keep their pool areas safe.

5. Install Pool Fences

Pool fences are another important measure you can take to increase the safety of your pool area. Pool fences create a barrier around the entirety of your pool, preventing unsupervised access or people and pets from falling into the pool.

6. Use US Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets

Anyone who does not know how to swim or is not a strong swimmer should always wear a US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket at all times around water. Life jackets keep people afloat when they are in the water, or accidentally fall into the water, preventing drownings.

7. Steps to Take When Hosting Pool Parties

Pool parties are a fun way to bring people together and celebrate during the summer months. However, it is important that there is always someone supervising those in or around the pool. If someone is grilling or needs to step away from their supervising duties, make sure there is another adult watching the pool during those times. Ask everyone in attendance if they are a strong swimmer, and if they are not, suggest they stay on a flotation device, use a life jacket, and stay in the shallow end of the pool.

Pools and swimming in the ocean are a great way to stay cool and gather with friends and family throughout the summer. Taking these precautions will help you safely enjoy your pool days. Happy Summer!

At Nadeau Harkavy LLC, we have over 60 years combined experience representing injured people and their families when they have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, trip and fall or other type of accident. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years to help them get on with their lives after suffering the consequences of a serious accident.  We make sure everything is done to protect your interests while you and your family concentrate on getting better. We handle all types of car accident cases including wrongful death, spinal injury, and brain injury. We represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, as well as other types of car accident cases such as scooter, motorcycle, and skateboard cases. We also handle other types of injury cases such as trip and fall, slip and fall, allergic reaction, dog bite, construction site, and catastrophic injury accidents. If you or a loved one has been harmed through no fault of your own, call us today for a free consultation about your legal rights at 617-674-7640.