South Florida’s warm, tropical climate lends itself to outdoor living, especially water activities. A backyard or community pool can be used year-round here. While a dip in the pool is certainly fun and refreshing, it’s important to remember pools can be dangerous.
Drowning is the number one pool safety issue, but there are other high profile incidents that have raised awareness about additional risks associated with swimming pools. In one case, a seven-year-old boy was electrocuted in the family pool when a faulty pool light connected and electrified the water. And there have now been several cases of drowning or near-drowning incidents involving pool drains.
Caretakers might feel seemingly powerless to prevent the accidents from happening, but there are safety precautions you can take …
- Have your pool inspected. Pools should be inspected periodically, especially if you don’t know the history. And if you’re considering moving into a house that already has a pool, have it inspected before you buy the home.
- Upgrade your pool lighting. The greatest risk of electrical accidents comes from older pool lights.
- Install proper safety features. Residential pools should have up-to-date domed drain covers, plus a safety vacuum release system.
Put a barrier or sensors around the pool. Hundreds of young children and toddlers die each year after falling into backyard pools. A gate or motion sensor alarms can drastically reduce this danger.