Summer Pool Safety: The Importance of Supervision

You have likely already heard that supervision is the key to keeping a swimming pool fun and safe.  Even still, many pool owners have questions.  One of the most common questions asked is who needs to be supervised.  Honestly, all swimmers do.  Many pool owners and parents, especially parents of teenagers, are actually surprised to hear this.

Most drowning accidents involve small children who do not know how to swim.  Most of these accidents result from accidental slips or falls into a swimming pool.  With that said, these are not the only types of pool accidents that can and do occur.  Broken and faulty drainage systems can lead to hair entanglement, which may result in drowning.  That is why constant supervision is always recommended for all swimmers, regardless of their age, as you never know.

Supervision is also important, as it can help to reduce your liability.  Are you hosting a pool party for your children?  Or, are you hosting an adult party where children will be present?  If so, you may be responsible for the accidents or fatalities that occur on your property, this includes in your swimming pool.  Your liability can and should be reduced if you can prove that you took precautionary measures.  These measures should include a pool alarm and a pool fence, but never underestimate the power of supervision.

As for newborns and infants, they should never, under any circumstances, be left alone in or near a swimming pool.  Most parents are well aware of this safety measure, but some have gained a false sense of security with pool accessories. There are a number of swimming pool toys and accessories on the market today that are designed for infants.  They typically involve having a child lay on or sit in a floating device.  Even when these items are used, supervision is required, as they are not considered lifesaving devices.  Experts have even noted that more risk can be assumed, as they can easily slid or turnover.

Toddlers and preschoolers should also be supervised at all times.  Never leave a small child alone near a swimming pool, especially one that cannot swim.  In fact, this is the age range when children should start learning how to swim.  Even then, constant monitoring and supervision is required.  Also, at this age, refresher courses at the start of each pool seasons are advised.

Returning back to floating devices, there are a number of items that are marketed towards toddlers and preschoolers.  One item that is increasing in popularity is that of swimsuits with built-in floaters.  They are designed to help adults teach children how to swim, but they are not considered lifesaving devices.  There is still the possibility that a child could roll or flip.  When unsupervised, this could result in a small child finding itself stuck underwater.

Elementary school aged children should still be supervised when in or around a swimming pool.  Parents are encouraged to teach their children how to swim at this stage if they haven’t already learned.  If you are a pool owner, teach your child yourself or have them take lessons with a trained professional.

As for teenagers and adult visitors, they are generally able to safely swim unsupervised, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your eyes and ears open.  If you are a parent, know that just because other parents allow their teens to swim unwatched, you don’t have to do the same.  The real danger for teenage and adult swimmers is the risk of entanglement in a drainage system.  For that reason, proper pool care and maintenance should be practiced as well.

As highlighted above, it is important to supervisor all swimmers, especially when they are in a pool that you own.  It isn’t the only summer pool safety step that you can take, as pool alarms and fences can also be installed, but it is one of the most important.  Close and careful monitoring of all swimmers can help to protect your loved ones, as well as your wallet.