Accident Prevention In and Around Your Water

Accidents and child drowning deaths are the most serious problems in the control of swimming pools.

Lack of effective bather supervision, poor construction, and improper operation and maintenance of equipment are prime causes of such casualties. A regular routine should be established for daily inspection of the pool area and all pool equipment.

A few of the most popular ways to prevent child drownings are:

Fences with Child-resistant Gates
Child Weight-bearing Nets or Covers
Exterior Door Child Safety Locks

Beyond kids drowning there are other simple accidents.

The cracking or flaking of concrete can be hazardous to bathers and should be repaired as soon as possible. Pool ladders, diving board supports, diving towers, and lifeguard chairs should be inspected for structural adequacy.

Ladders and diving equipment should be inspected for the presence of any foreign matter which would render them slippery.

After maintenance of moving parts or electrical connections in the equipment room, a safety check should be made to assure that all safety guards and electrical box covers are replaced and valves are properly tagged and positioned.

Electrical circuits should be de energized before working on any equipment. Where wet, slick, or other conditions contribute to slippery walking surfaces and consequent hazards to personnel, non slip surface treatments should be applied.

The following dangerous conditions should be eliminated:

Poorly drained, slippery floors and walks.
Shower-valve arrangement capable of scalding (central automatic mixing valve is best).
Caking soap or leaking soap dispenser.
Abrupt changes in the slope of the pool floor or underwater steps.
Insufficient depth or area for diving.
Excessively high, shaky, or slippery diving equipment.
Lack of water depth markings.
Turbid water (the bottom at the deepest point should be easily visible from the pool edge).
Pool drains, outlets, or other fixtures which could hold a person underwater.
Electrical equipment capable of shocking (e.g., underwater light fixtures must be grounded).
Water slides poorly located, causing "traffic" congestion.
Projecting or ungrated pipes.
Improperly vented chlorinators.
Use of glass containers of any type in the pool area.

Knowing about these dangers and taking precautions can lead to effective pool accident prevention.

Keep it safe and enjoy your pool!

Source: Swimming Pool Operation and Maintenance Technical Manual written by the Department of the Army.

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