Take these precautions to avoid swimming pool mishaps
It’s better that organizations think about their responsibilities regarding swimming safety before the unthinkable happens.
For organizations that offer summer activities, swimming presents some of the greatest risks.
In the U.S., an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people drown per year, that’s an average of 10 fatal drownings per day. And it’s not only dangerous for children, almost 40 million adults (15.4%) in the U.S. do not know how to swim, and more than half of adults (54.7%) have never taken a swimming lesson.
That’s a lot of liability. And if organizations don’t take proper precautions, they can find themselves at the wrong end of a wrongful death lawsuit. Those precautions include:
No. 1: Screening all swimmers before they spend an extended amount of time in the water.
Swimming safety materials should include evaluations to determine swimmers’ skills, guidelines for lifeguards and supervisors, and color-coded wristbands that clearly show the swimmer’s level of ability.
- Red is for non-swimmer and includes children under the age of seven and those who are unable to demonstrate any basic skills. They should stay in wading areas.
- Yellow is for intermediate swimmers, as some children can submerge their heads under water and perform a few basic strokes. But they can’t keep themselves afloat or swim for any sizable distance, which is why they should be sticking to areas where they can comfortably stand.
- Green is for qualified swimmers. These children can tread water, swim using several different strokes, float on their backs for a substantial amount of time and easily enter and exit the water. They are strong swimmers, and while they still require a lifeguard’s supervision, they should be allowed greater freedom.
No. 2: Creating a written protocol that staff members can follow to prevent drowning.
This plan should include guidance about the number of lifeguards and supervisors required, information about how to use the buddy system, and the best ways to keep track of all children’s locations. Make sure staff members are oriented to the plan and trained on it.
No. 3: Conducting a thorough inventory of your safety equipment.
This includes making sure all critical pieces of safety equipment are in good working order. At the very least, that safety equipment should include:
- A ring buoy and rope that supervisors can toss to a distressed swimmer and tow them back to shore or the side of the pool.
- A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests are the best choice—particularly if the swimming area includes some very deep sections.
- A first-aid kit is an absolute must. Supervisors might need to administer first aid for anything from a stubbed toe to an open gash. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have waterproof bandages on hand.
No. 4: Ensuring all staff members are appropriately trained and certified.
This, of course, depends on whether an organization is sponsoring a swimming event on its own property or at a location that already has certified lifeguards. But, regardless of the location, it’s important to check on the level of supervision before the activity and to make sure an adequate number of trained supervisors are provided.
It’s better that organizations think about their responsibilities regarding swimming safety before the unthinkable happens, and they’re dealing with the aftermath of a drowning.
Eric Spacek is assistant vice president of Risk Control for Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. To reach this author, send email to corporatecommunications@churchmutual.com.
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