Poolside First Aid Essentials

As the weather begins to heat up, many backyard pool owners start to think about opening their swimming pools. While an inground fiberglass backyard swimming pool from Leisure Pools can be a great addition to any home, it also comes with certain safety considerations. Accidents can happen in and around the pool. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to handle them. In order to do that, you should keep some first aid essentials on hand.

 1.) A First Aid Kit. A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any pool area. It should include bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers. Keep the kit in a waterproof container so the supplies stay dry and in good condition.

2.) Sunscreen. A must for anyone spending time outside, sunscreen is especially crucial for when you are lounging poolside. The UV rays of the sun can cause sunburn, premature aging and even skin cancer. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Apply it at least every two hours.

3.) Water. Staying hydrated is essential, especially when spending time outside in the heat. Make sure there is plenty of water available for everyone at the pool. Encourage everyone to drink water frequently, even if they do not necessarily feel thirsty. It is important to drink water throughout the day, even while swimming and lounging in the sun.

4.) Pool Safety Equipment. Having safety equipment near the pool is important in the event of an emergency. This includes life jackets, pool noodles, and other types of floatation devices that can help someone stay afloat until help arrive. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a pool safety hook or net to help pull someone out of the water if needed.

5.) Emergency Contact Information. Keep all emergency contact information posted near your pool. This should also include the emergency number of 911, along with the address of the pool location. Further, it is a good idea to have a list of contact information for everyone at the pool in case of an emergency.

Another item worthy of consideration if you have the resources for it is an automated external defibrillator (AED). This is a device that can help save the life of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. If you have a large pool or frequently host sizeable pool parties, this might be worthy of consideration. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with how to properly use the AED.

Having someone at the pool who is trained in first aid can make all the difference in the world when it comes to an emergency. Consider taking a first aid course or having someone on hand who has experience and knowledge in first aid. Additionally, learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a life-saving skill everyone should know. If someone becomes unconscious or stops breathing, you need to be able to start CPR right away. You can take a CPR class to learn how to perform this procedure correctly. Make sure to also have a CPR mask in your first aid kit.

1.) Never Swim Alone. It’s always a good idea to have a buddy when you’re swimming. If someone gets into trouble, there will be someone there to help. This is especially important for children, who should never be allowed to swim alone.

2.) Keep a Close Eye on the Children. Kids are naturally curious and may be drawn to the pool area. Make sure to keep a close eye on them at all times, even if they are not swimming. Children can drown in just a few inches of water. Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant at all times.

3.) Learn How to Respond to an Emergency. In the event of an emergency, you need to know how to respond quickly and effectively. This means knowing how to call for emergency services, knowing how to perform CPR and knowing how to use any safety equipment you have on hand.

4.) Teach Your Children Basic Pool Safety. It’s never too early to teach your children about pool safety. Make sure they understand the importance of never swimming alone, staying away from the pool cover and always obeying pool rules. You can also teach them basic swimming skills so they can stay safe in and around the pool.

Also, when you have a backyard swimming pool, you have the ideal setting for at-home swimming lessons. By teaching your kids to swim and develop their appreciation for the water, you can also acquaint them with all aspects of pool safety at the same time. That’s a win-win scenario!

When you have all of the first aid essentials at the ready by your fiberglass pool, you can ensure the safety of everyone who is enjoying the pool. Remember to always supervise children and inexperienced swimmers. Also, never leave anyone alone in or near the pool.

Once you have your emergency preparedness materials in place, you can enjoy that well-deserved Life of Leisure with confidence and peace of mind. To get started on your fiberglass backyard pool journey, contact us today. Stay safe and have fun.