Are You Ready For Swimming Pool Season?

For some people, being ready for swimming pool season has everything to do with bathing suits. For us at GDI Insurance Agency, Inc., it is about keeping your swimming pool safe. Though splashing and diving is carefree fun, owning a backyard pool comes with serious responsibilities, too. From poolside party safety tips to supervision, there are many general safety precautions you can take to make sure your friends and family enjoy your pool safely.

Summer Swimming Pool Safety

Here are some general recommendations for swimming pool safety:

• Install a fence with self-locking and -closing gates to completely isolate your pool from your house and the areas around it.
• Do not leave your children or guests alone in the event that they would need assistance.
• Teach pool rules to your children and guests and post them in a highly visible location.
• Do not stick your fingers in grates and filters.
• Do not swim for at least 30 minutes if you hear thunder or see lightning.

Use these tips to prepare yourself in the event of an emergency:

• Take lifeguard, first aid and CPR courses in case anyone needs assistance while on your property. Once old enough, your children should receive this same training.
• Enroll your children in swimming classes led by a qualified swim instructor.
• Keep rescue equipment and a telephone to call 911 close to the pool area.
• Place emergency numbers and CPR instructions close to the pool.

When hosting a pool party at home, it is wise to assign several adults to the job of “lifeguard” for all swimmers. These individuals should not drink alcohol and should stay on constant alert for swimmers in distress.

Keeping Cool During the Hot Summer

Fun in the sun is even better when you have a swimming pool in your backyard to stay cool on hot, summer days. Despite all the entertainment that a swimming pool offers, there are also homeowner liabilities. To help you minimize your risk, we’ve gathered some safety tips to keep you in the know as you swim.

Swimming Pool Safety and Liability Precautions

To Minimize Drowning Risks:

• Install safety fences around the pool with a locked latch and place a cover over the pool when you are not using it.
• Always supervise welcome swimmers at all times.
• Keep lifesaving equipment near the pool and learn how to properly use it.
• Do not allow swimmers to horseplay in the pool.

To Minimize Disease Risks:

• Keep the pool water properly filtered and chemically treated.
• Do not allow swimmers to drink pool water.
• Keep pets out of the pool.
• Do not allow swimmers with open wounds or illnesses to go in the water.
• Do not allow babies to swim unless they are wearing swim diapers.

To Minimize Chemical Risks:

• Avoid over-shocking the pool; keep chemicals at the proper levels.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adding chemicals to the pool or filtration system.
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry place where they are away from fire hazards and lawn care products.

Safety First

As the homeowner, you are liable for the safety of all swimmers. To ensure that you can adequately protect people on your property, consider taking lifeguarding, CPR and first aid courses so you know what to do in an emergency. The City of Turlock offers CPR classes, you can find out more here.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive home insurance quote!