When it comes to anything, especially swimming, safety is the most important factor. May is National Water Safety Month and here we share some of our best practices when it comes to swimming and keeping your loved ones safe.
First thing a homeowner can do is to create a simple safety check list. See here for a few of our go-to action items when ensuring your pool area is safe for all!
- Drains, Suction Fittings, and Jets –Current gates and covers help prevent body or hair entrapment. Make sure that drain covers meet the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8M standard. Safetydoors should be installed in all pool cleaner wall suction lines. Pools, spas, or hot tubs with drain covers that are broken, missing, or not adequately secured should not be used until the proper replacement has been installed.
- Electrical Hazards – A licensed electrician, experienced in swimming pools and hot tubs, should inspect your equipment to make sure everything is properly grounded, bonded, and protected by proper GFCI circuits according to Article 680 of the National Electric Code.
- Warning Signs – Protect your family and guests. Make sure that all warning signs provided by the manufacturer, builder, or installer are displayed according to the manufacturers’ specifications.
There are also several things to take into consideration when enjoying your backyard. First off, never allow children to swim unsupervised. Always have an adult that knows how to swim supervising. Another way to prevent unfortunate drownings is to enclose pools with fences, which can be locked. This is also a requirement by law. The law states that new residential swimming pools need at least one of the following: an enclosure, pool safety cover, exit alarms on doors, or self-closing, self-latching devices on entries to the pool.
For May, make sure to check out what may be going on near you. Learn what events and educational seminars are happening in your area here: http://apsp.org/nwsm/
