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Learn How to Swim
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses formal swimming instruction for most children ages 4 years and older. Teens and adults who don't know how to swim should learn to do so and restrict wading or bathing to shallow water only and in the presence of a lifeguard.
Supervise Children
Children should never be allowed to swim unsupervised by adults anywhere. MedlinePlus reports that drowning can happen quickly and silently in as little as 2 inches of water. The CDC reports that most accidental drownings of children ages 1 to 4 occur in residential pools and most of those victims were reported seen within the home less than five minutes prior while in the care of at least one parent. Adults who are supervising children should remain alert, vigilant and never turn away or get distracted, not even for a moment.
Swim Only When a Lifeguard Is on Duty
When swimming in bodies of water other than residential pools, swim only when a lifeguard is on duty and in areas designated for swimming. Parents of young children and nonswimmers should carefully supervise their children even in settings where a lifeguard is present. All swimmers should respect the rules for swimming in a given environment and follow the directives of the lifeguard.
Do Not Swim Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Even strong swimmers can succumb to the effects of alcohol and drugs while in the water. Being under the influence of either or both seriously impairs judgment and coordination and increases the risk of injury or drowning.
Never Swim Alone
As tempting as it may be to catch some time alone in the backyard pool, deserted lake or ocean, do not do it. Accidents happen even to young, strong, healthy individuals who are good swimmers. Always swim with a buddy in a residential pool and with a lifeguard present in any other pool or body of water.
Do Not Swim During Thunderstorms
Never swim during a thunderstorm. Follow lifeguard instructions for exiting the pool. If swimming in a residential pool, exit the water immediately when you hear thunder. Lightning often strikes water and water conducts electricity. If you swim and lightning strikes, you risk serious injury or death.
Avoid Diving Headfirst
Do not dive headfirst into shallow or murky water, or water of uncertain depth. Diving in shallow water can cause injuries and drowning. Diving into murky water such as ponds, quarries or lakes without knowing the depth or underwater environment is dangerous. Rocks and other objects in the water pose hazards. It is best to enter the water feetfirst.
Refrain From Horseplay in the Water
As fun as it is to swim with friends or family, refrain from horseplay such as dunking, hanging on to someone or allowing them to hang on to you while in the water. Horseplay can lead to injury while in the water, thus increasing the risk of drowning.
Use Proper Flotation Devices
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that inflatable toys, rafts, air mattresses and water wings should never be used as lifesaving devices for children and that only life jackets and life preservers approved by the U.S. Coast Guard should be used. Always wear an approved life jacket when boating, even close to land.
First Aid, CPR and Pool Fences
It is a good idea for adults, especially those who are parents or who care for children, to learn basic first aid and CPR. Rescue measures can mean the difference between life and death, especially for families with residential pools. The CDC recommends four-sided pool fences at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates unreachable by children and that open outward.
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List of Swimming Pools Rules & Regulations Swimming Pool Safety Standards for Oklahoma
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1. Supervise Children
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Swimming activities of children must be supervised at all times. Adults should monitor children at both the poolside and waterfront to ensure safety, regardless of lifeguard presence. According to G & M Pool Services Pool Safety Rules, "it takes less than 30 seconds for a child to drown."
No Running or Playing
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Both pools and pool grounds are made predominantly of concrete, which can make accidents a costly liability to the pool owner and a danger to the swimmer. Running or playing on wet concrete poses a major hazard. Swimmers should walk carefully to avoid accidentally slipping and hitting their heads on the concrete.
Diving Restricted to Boards Only
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Diving is customarily restricted to diving boards only, which are located at the deepest end of the pool. Diving in shallow water of less than eight feet can cause severe head trauma, as the water is not deep enough to support the dive.
No Dunking or Fighting
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Dunking another swimmer in pool water can result in head trauma or even drowning. Fighting should be cause for immediate removal from both the pool and pool grounds.
No Bottles or Glass
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If bottles or glasses break on the poolside concrete, the glass shards could cause serious cuts on bare feet. Drinks should only be permitted if they are tightly sealed and stored in plastic containers.
No Pets Allowed
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Pets can carry ticks, fleas and bacteria. For hygienic reasons, pets should be left at home. Pets in the pool area could lead to fights or even trigger allergy symtoms in certain swimmers.
No Electrical Devices
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Electrical devices near any body of water increases the risk of electrical shock. Radios should remain approximately 15-20 feet away from pools.
Other Safety Rules
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There are several safety rules to consider, all of which may vary due to venue. Some public pools require proper attire in order to swim (swim suits, shorts), as well as pre-showering and proper coverage of open and/or exposed wounds. Infants and toddlers should wear swim diapers
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