Swimming Pool Safety Checklist

Swimming pools provide opportunities for both recreation and exercise. Whether commercial or private, however, paramount to any swimming pool owner or operator is the safety of all those around the swimming pool environment. Safety is not only a matter for what goes on in the water but also around the pool, on the deck, in the bathhouse and adjacent facilities. Keeping a swimming pool safe is a matter of knowing what's needed to prevent accidents or injuries and also what to do if an accident occurs.

  1. Equipment

    • Safety equipment for a swimming pool includes floats, retaining barriers to separate different pool areas and shepherd's hooks for retrieving swimmers in distress (long poles with wide "C" hoops on the end). For larger pools, consider having life vests for any swimmers with poor swimming skills. If the pool has lifeguards, make sure they have everything necessary to respond to an incident, including a loudspeaker to get the word out over noisy swimmers, a whistle and overhead protection from extended stays in the sun.

    Cleanliness

    • Always keep the pool area clean to prevent accidents from slipping on discarded waste and to prevent growth of algae, mold and mildew. Pool decks should be cleaned daily with a disinfectant to prevent any growth during off hours and cooler evenings. If the pool has a bathhouse it should also be cleaned daily with disinfectant. Pools can be places for contracting such diseases as athlete's foot and ringworm. Keeping the pool environment clean means everyone will have a safer and more enjoyable swimming experience.

    Chemistry

    • Proper pool chemistry keeps the water clean and also prevents eye and skin irritation. Maintaining pool chemistry is a constant effort for the pool manager or owner. Factors such as rain can quickly alter the pool water. Also, large numbers of swimmers affect pool chemistry. Human excretions (sweat, saliva, etc.) can affect the pool's cleanliness and pH level (how much acid is in the water). Regular testing and adjustments to the pool chemistry will keep the water safe for everyone.

    First Aid

    • Keep proper first aid equipment at the pool. Open wounds and blood should be cleaned immediately. Neck injuries can occur with diving and playing in the water, so have a backboard available for transporting injured swimmers. CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) equipment should be available for swimmers who have swallowed too much water or experienced a near drowning.

    Rules

    • Rules should be posted clearly in different areas of the pool: at the entrance, the bathhouse, any deck area and near the diving boards if they are available. All participants need to know and acknowledge the rules. Simple things like running on the deck or jumping into shallow water should be discouraged or forbidden.