Pool With Safety Fence

What Pool Owners Can Learn From Lifeguards

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Congratulations! You are now the owner of a swimming pool. Of course, you want to create memories to last a lifetime. However, having an oasis means responsibility; it is not just about keeping it clean and safe, but it is a better idea to have safety supervision skills like a lifeguard. Safety is foremost essential, regardless of how young or old swimmers are.

It is imperative to be watchful and alert like a lifeguard. Here are some suggestions on skills that can save a person’s life:

Learn CPR

It is handy to learn or re-learn this practice. Not only is CPR helpful to a lifeguard around the pool but for those who suffer a heart attack anywhere. You can get free courses from organizations like the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and a local YMCA/YWCA. Online courses and videos are also available online. CPR is constantly evolving, so it is good to take a class to stay current on this lifesaving skill. 

Rescuing Skills

Pulling a person out of the water is no easy task for a lifeguard and not safe unless you have rescue skills and equipment. Having a ring buoy or a reaching pole is better than jumping into the water. Have a rescue plan for providing aid and assisting an injured or struggling swimmer. 

Have First Aid Equipment

In previous blogs, we mentioned the importance of having a first aid kit. It is crucial to learn how to handle neck or spinal cord injuries or other injuries like collarbone fractures or dislocated shoulders. Scrapes and burns caused by rough plaster are also common. Have a first-aid supply available. Learn also about first aid techniques to prevent further injuries and a fast recovery.

Lifeguard Skills

There are pieces of equipment available for lifeguards and others dedicated to rescuing people, but human skills need development, which helps prevent accidents. Here are some of these skills:

Become a Human Scan

Constant scanning of the pool while supervising is standard practice. You cannot take your eyes off the area. It’s like driving a car; if you take your eyes off the road, an accident can happen.  

Take a Break

Taking a 15-minute break per hour helps to relax and recharge, especially when caring for tasks requiring attention. 

Recognizing Risk Patterns

Keeping an eye on swimmers can determine whether they can struggle in the water. Drowning is often silent for swimmers of all ages. Be ready for rescue if a person is underwater for longer than 15 seconds or if body movements are frantic (or very still).

Establish Pool Rules

Set safe and reasonable rules for all users to follow:

  • Avoid extreme jumping from a slide, fence, roof, or tree into a swimming pool, as well as diving into the shallow end. It can cause serious accidents or death.
  • Avoid hyperventilating. Hyperventilation can cause water blackout. It is a condition where the body runs out of oxygen, making a person pass out and drown without recognizing that they are in danger.
  • One of the effects of drowning is the lack of oxygen to the brain. Avoid holding people underwater since it can cause accidental drowning.
  • Some of the most common pool injuries are slips and falls. Don’t allow running around the perimeter; it can help reduce accidents by the oasis.  
  • Drinking glasses are an accident ready to happen. Use plastic or silicone cups instead.
  • Alcohol and swimming are a lethal combination. It can impair a swimmer’s sense of distance and feel disoriented and confused while in the water. Also, it can lower the body’s temperature, so if the water is cold, you’re much more likely to suffer from hypothermia.
  • Never swim alone. Ensure an adult is supervising. Most importantly, ensure that inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket or floating devices. 

Accidents don’t always happen by chance, and they are often preventable.  Remember, no gadget or flotation device can promise a 100% security or replace the time to supervise swimming activities in your home.  It is imperative the constant supervision of adults for the sake of swimmers of all ages.

Our main concern at Platinum Pools is our customers. Call us today at 1.281.870.1600.  Our experts are ready to help.