Swimming Pool Safety for Grandboomers

Recently Grandboomers was shocked to see a report on television concerning a little girl who drowned in a swimming pool. Her long hair was pulled into the pool's circulating system, which had an older-style drain cover at the bottom.

Because of this potential problem, a new type of drain cover is available that prevents this from happening. If you have a pool, be certain you have the newer cover. Also, before letting your grandchildren swim in a community pool, check with the authorities to make certain they use the new covers. Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The new drain covers are usually domed-shaped. The old drain covers are flat.

With the arrival of summer, swimming in your backyard pool or the community pool becomes a refreshing pastime. Having the grandchildren with you is added enjoyment. Here are some safety tips so your swim will be fun (including the drain cover from above).

If the pool is your property:

* The entire pool should be surrounded by a fences or wall at least 4-feet high.

* Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.

* If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area, to prevent access by young children.

* For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.

* If a child is missing, always look first in the pool. Seconds count!

* Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.

* Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.

* Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

* Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) , a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected.

* Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.

* Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump. If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person's body to break the seal.

* Use non-slip materials on the deck surrounding your pool and on the diving boards and ladders.

* Place a safety float line where the bottom slope begins to deepen (approximately the five-foot level) ,

* Keep all electrical appliances, such as radios, away from the pool because of the potential shock hazard which they present.

* If you are going to a community pool, stay with your grandchildren at all times. Go in the water with them. Avoid distractions. They are your priority. One of the best safety precautions is to teach your grandchildren to swim well.

* According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), the major accident patterns associated with swimming pools include falling on slippery walkways, decks, diving boards or ladders; striking the bottom or sides of the pool because of insufficient depth for diving or sliding; and drowning when swimming alone and without adult supervision.

Swimming is a healthy and fun-filled recreation. Enjoy your pool time to the fullest.