Jump Into Summer With These Pool Safety Tips!

For pool owners, with great weather comes great responsibility. As agents we advise that all families who have pools or spas carry Umbrella Liability coverage. This provides additional funds at a fraction of the cost in the event of a claim. As pool owners, an insured can even become vicariously responsible for the injury of someone using their pool without permission! Don't let your retirement fund take a dip because of an accident, check out these pool safety tips!

1. Maintain secure fencing and a locked pool entrance to prevent unsupervised access. Install self-closing and self-latching gates in the proper locations. Once a year, or after large storms, check your fence for any gaps or breaks that may have occurred.
2. Make sure no one swims alone. No one should be alone in the water. All inexperienced swimmers should be accompanied by a swimmer who has water life-saving skills. Minor injuries can become emergencies in a pool, even for experienced swimmers, so always have supervision when the pool is in use.
3. Install an alarm. Monitor any doors or gates leading to the pool area, and the pool itself, with an audible alarm to alert you if anyone enters the pool area or falls into an unattended pool. Automatic lights with are a great safety addition and can help deter any trespassers.
4. Practice safe diving. Water depth and diving restricted areas should be clearly marked both on the pools edge and within the pool itself. Diving should be prohibited unless there is a designated safe-diving area.
5. Supply life-saving equipment. Life preservers, a rope with life saving rings and a reaching pole or rescue hook should all be within easy reach of your pool area. Install storage hooks on your fencing or the side of a deck to prevent emergency items from being stored in a garage, where they may be inaccessible in moments of panic. All family members over the age of 14 should undergo CPR and life saving training.
6. Check out this great Pool Safety Video!