The Importance of Educating Others on Pool Safety

Are you a parent?  If you are and if you have a pool in your backyard, you may be well educated on the subject of pool safety.  After all, parents take great steps to protect their children, especially when around dangers such as a swimming pool.  As much you strive to protect your children in your swimming pool, you should be concerned when they leave your home.  That is why it is important for you to educate those that you know on the subject of pool safety.

When it comes to teaching others about pool safety, you may be concerned.  You may not want to sound too strict, too pushy, or like you are sticking your nose in someone else’s business.  With that said, there are simple and unobtrusive ways that you can share the important message of pool safety with those that you know.  Before focusing on those ways, it is important to know why you should be concerned.

As previously stated, most parents take great steps to protect their children from certain dangers.  It is important to remember that not everyone is a parent and not everyone lives up to the title the same way.  What does this mean?  It means that just because you have a pool safety cover, a pool alarm, and a pool fence installed, it doesn’t mean that others do as well.  If your child is visiting the home of another pool owner, you should be concerned.  In fact, this leads to an easy way to discuss pool safety with those that you know.

Do you have a young child who will be visiting the home of a friend or family member?  Do you know that they have a swimming pool?  If so, casually mentioned pool safety.  Ask if their pool is covered or protected by a fence.  You may even want to mention that you don’t mean to overreact, but that it is just a concern or worry of yours.  This will help to ease the uncomfort that you or the pool owner in question may feel. 

It is particularly important that you inquire about the pool safety steps taken if your child will be staying overnight.  Why?  Because your child may not be familiar with the layout of the home or the property.  If your child were to walk out for a breath of fresh air, could they accidentally fall into the pool?  If so, be sure to use your best judgment.  Best judgment and first instincts are important when a parent.  If you are concerned about pool safety, make your fears known.

In the summer months, pool parties are common.  If your child, no matter what their age, will be attending a pool party without you, be sure to ask and inquire about safety.  This is also your opportunity to casually share a few pool safety tips.  Ask if anyone in the home is certified in CPR.  Is there is a phone by the pool incase you need to reach your son or daughter?  Will the children will be supervised at all times?

Most pool owners do know how to keep their pools a fun and safe place to be, but there are others who seem oblivious to pool safety.  If you know one of these individuals, you may want to speak up.  Of course, be sure to take a helpful and friendly approach.  You could outright state the importance of having a pool fence or a pool alarm.  Or, you could take the roundabout approach and mention how you saw a great deal on a pool fence while out shopping.

Although discussing or inquiring about another person’s pool safety standards and expectations may be a conversation that you want to avoid, it is a conversation that all parents must have.  You should feel comfortable having this discussion with close friends and family, but even if you must talk to a stranger, do so.  A few minutes of uncomfort is better than a lifetime of pain and sorrow.