Swimming pools allow you to escape the heat of a summer afternoon, but they can also pose a number of significant risks. In this article, we discuss common hazards connected with swimming pools and how they can best be avoided.
Drowning & Submersion Incidents
Most people are aware, to some degree, of the inherent risk of drowning in any body of water, whether they are swimming in a public pool or in the ocean. Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths and swimming pools pose a particularly high risk, especially for young children. Constant adult supervision is crucial to prevent drowning incidents. Even a brief lapse in attention can result in a preventable tragedy.
Inadequate barriers or fencing around pools can allow people to gain access when they should be unable to do so. This is particularly risky for toddlers and young children, who may be unable to protect themselves from the risk of drowning. To minimize risk and liability in the event of an accident, pools should always have proper fencing with self-closing gates. This prevents accidental injury and the odds of a personal injury lawsuit if in the event of an injury or incident.
It is very rare that this happens, but pool drains and suction outlets are capable of trapping body parts, hair, or loose clothing. This can potentially lead to drowning if the drains and outlets are not designed or maintained correctly. Properly-fitted drain covers can minimize the risk to pool patrons.
Slip & Fall Accidents
It goes without saying that a pool deck will be wet, since people are constantly entering and exiting the area. Even so, unwary patrons may nonetheless end up taking a tumble if water is allowed to collect in an unsafe manner. Improper drainage or inadequate cleaning can leave surfaces slick, especially around high-traffic areas of the pool deck. At the same time, if materials with slip resistance are not used for the pool deck, the risk of slip and fall incidents may rise.
Ongoing maintenance and property upkeep should ensure there are no uneven surfaces around the pool deck. Cracked concrete, chipped tiles, or loose stones can create tripping hazards for the unwary or people with mobility issues. Likewise, there should be handrails and non-slip mats near the pool’s stairs or ladders. These adaptations help young children, elderly patrons, and people with mobility issues safely enjoy the pool.
Collisions with pool walls, diving boards, or other swimmers can result in serious harm, including head, neck, or spinal cord injuries. Stay aware of your surroundings and never dive into shallow water. The American Red Cross recommends never diving into water shallower than nine feet deep. If the pool water is murky or you are unable to see the bottom, refrain from diving.
Swimming in contaminated or poorly maintained pool water can lead to ear infections, skin rashes, or other waterborne illnesses. Pool water may be hazardous to human health when proper chlorine levels aren’t maintained or excessive debris accumulates in the water. You should avoid swimming in murky or clouding water.
Health & Hygiene Concerns
Maintaining proper water quality and hygiene practices at pools reduces the spread of waterborne illnesses and diseases among swimmers. Maintaining proper chlorine levels and using other pool chemicals as intended helps disinfect the water, but patrons should still shower before and after using the pool. You should also try your best not to swallow pool water.
Particularly on bright, hot summer afternoons, be wary of excessive exposure to the sun. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight can cause dehydration, sunburns, and even heatstroke in serious cases. Make sure to take regular breaks in the shade, reapply sunscreen regularly, and drink lots of fluids to avoid health risks. Even if you don’t usually tend to get burned when in the sun, it’s always advisable to use plenty of sunscreen. Sunscreen can prevent painful burns and blisters, while also decreasing your chances of developing skin cancer.
Be aware that some people may experience allergic reactions to certain sunscreen products, pool chemicals, or other substances commonly found in swimming pools. If you have any known allergies, be sure to take necessary precautions and consult with a doctor before getting into a public pool.
By being aware of the hazards commonly associated with swimming pools, you can ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable time at the pool. Be sure that you always keep an eye on any children or people in your party that are not strong swimmers. Obey all posted safety rules and lifeguard commands and be sure to maintain good hygiene to minimize the risk of illnesses. If you have any questions about rules or maintenance at a facility, bring your questions to a lifeguard or member of the facility’s staff.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
