The Season for Summer Pool Safety

Summer is almost upon us on the East End, and everyone is excited to start jumping in the pool. Because pools, spas and hot tubs are great sources of family fun and excitement, it can be hard to imagine that they can pose serious dangers to young children. But they can.

Did you know that DROWNING IS THE THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE? And that residential swimming pools and bathtubs are the places children drown most frequently. We’re concerned about this problem at Kazdin Pools. That’s why we’re providing parents who own a pool or a spa with safety information to help reduce risks and prevent drownings.

It’s all part of the commitment we have to public health and safety in the installation, maintenance and operation of pools, spas and hot tubs as a member company of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)—the nation’s leading authority on swimming pools and spas.

The major facts to keep in mind about drownings are:

•They are SILENT. Chances are you won’t hear a cry or a splash

•They are QUICK. They can happen in the time it takes to answer the phone.

•They can HAPPEN IN LESS THAN AN INCH OF WATER. Spas can present a danger, too.

THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT A DROWNING ACCIDENT in your pool or spa is through your SUPERVISION. Never leave a child along in or near the pool or spa – not even for a second. Always be sure someone is watching.

•While there are other preventive measures that you should also take, always, remember, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR SUPERVISION.

One way to make the areas safer for your children is to make sure there is an EFFECTIVE BARRIER, SUCH AS A FENCE OR THE WALLS OF YOUR HOME, ENCLOSING YOUR POOL OR SPA. All fence gates are required to be self closing, and self-latching with an approved childproof latching device. Doors or windows in the barrier should be kept shut and latched with approved childproof device. No one should prop or leave entry ways open. New safety codes require the use of alarms on all doors that have access to the pool or spa area.

Lightweight floating pool or spa covers are not considered effective barriers. They are not designed for safety. All portable spas now come with an approved safety cover when used with their locking devices. There covers available today that will also help guard your pool.

Another important measure to take is to LEARN HOW TO ADMINISTER cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and other lifesaving techniques. Some are different for children than for adults. If you don’t know how, enroll in a class. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association to find out what classes are available.

Also, keep the phone numbers for emergency medical services posted in a conspicuous place.

Have more questions about swimming pool safety, maintenance and construction? You can contact Kazdin Pools & Spas at 631-283-4884, or visit them at 833 County Road 39, Southampton, NY or online at kazdin.com.

The above points and many others are covered in the brochure “Children Aren’t Waterproof.” A number of other pool and spa safety brochures are also available from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. We have all of them available in our showroom. Please stop by for your free copy. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you.