17 important swimming pool safety tips for swimmers
Swimming pool safety tips are the measures and precautions that swimmers need to be take to prevent accidents and injuries in and around swimming pools.
This includes being aware of the swimming safety rules and guidelines and adhering to them as swimmers and swim parents. Ultimately, swimming pool safety is about ensuring that everyone who uses or is around a swimming pool is protected and safe from harm.
There are certain safety measures that you should take before you swim, while swimming, or while being around a pool.
Safety tips before swimming
These swimming safety rules apply even before you are in the swimming pool.
Health concerns
If a child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or an infectious disease, they should not swim to prevent the spread of it. If a child has an open wound, severe sunburn, or other skin irritations, they should avoid swimming to prevent infection. For any of these conditions, consult the doctor and the swim before you use the pool.
Optimum food intake
You should not be swimming with an empty stomach, especially for long or intense swimming sessions. However, it is also not recommended to swim immediately after eating a large meal as it can cause discomfort, bloating, and cramping. Swim 30 mins after having a meal. See that you are hydrated and have enough snacks like energy bars if you happen to not have a proper meal.
Sun Safety
Sunscreen is a must in India. Most of the pools in India are outdoors and wearing sunscreen becomes even more important. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It can also cause major skin damage. For recommendations on sunscreens before you swim, check this article.
Take a shower before using pool
Taking a shower before swimming is an essential step in maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of germs in the pool. It helps remove dirt, sweat, and oil from the body before entering the pool. This also reduces exposure to harmful chemicals in the pool.
Rules of the swimming pool
Read and abide by the rules and regulations as mentioned before using the pool. Be aware of the depth of the pool and other instructions mentioned.
Avoid jewelry
Avoid wearing any sort of jewelry inside the pool. There is a high chance that you would lose them while swimming. Also, it causes obstruction while swimming.
CPR and first aid
It’s recommended to use pools with a lifeguard on duty. Someone trained in CPR and first aid nearby can make a significant difference in responding to emergencies, providing effective intervention, and reducing legal liability.
Safety precautions in swimming
These are the safety measures that you should take while swimming
Check before you dive
Never dive in the shallow end of the pool. The shallow end of the pool is usually less than five feet deep, which may not provide enough space for a diver to safely execute a dive. A shallow pool can also have a slanted bottom or other features that can make diving even more dangerous. This can cause severe injuries.
Thunder and Lightning
Do not use the pool when there is thunder and lightning. Follow the instruction of your coach and immediately come out of water. Remain out of the water until at least 30 minutes after the lightning stops.
Lane separators
Lane separators are often made of hard plastic or other materials that can cause injury if you accidentally hit them while swimming. Many times these separators have sharp edges and swimmers get injured if they are not careful. Also, you should let the pool authorities know in case you find any problem with the lane separators.
Be aware of walls
It is important to be aware of the distance of the walls while you swim especially when you are swimming backstroke. There is a high chance of colliding with the wall and hurting yourself. Knowing the distance to the wall can help you keep track of your progress and plan your swimming pace and timing.
Keep yourself hydrated
Swimming can cause the body to lose water and increase body temperature. Drinking water before, during, and after swimming helps regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Dehydration can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and lightheadedness, which can affect swimming performance and safety. Drinking water after swimming helps the body recover and replenish lost fluids, reducing the risk of injury and promoting muscle recovery.
Moreover, most of the swimming pools in India are outdoor pools and it becomes more important to keep yourself hydrated.
Unsafe play underwater
Avoid unsafe playing underwater. Holding each other underwater should be completely avoided. Swim parents sitting near the pool should alert immediately if they see something unsafe. It is important to prioritize safety and respect in all aquatic activities.
Vacate pool as instructed
Please follow the swim coach’s instructions at all times. In the event of an emergency, such as a medical emergency or safety hazard, vacating the pool when instructed can help ensure the safety of all individuals involved and allow for proper response and treatment.
Safety measures around the pool
It is important to maintain safety measures around the pool too.
Walk, do not run
Do not run around the pool. The decks are slippery sometimes especially in an indoor pool.
Do not play around pool drains and covers
Playing around pool drains and covers can cause physical harm, such as cuts or bruises, which can lead to infection or further injury. The drains can have powerful suction forces that can trap and hold a person underwater.
Playing around pool drains and covers can cause structural damage to the pool also, leading to leaks or other safety hazards.
Keep the pool area clean and free of hazards
Swimming equipment on the deck area might cause your fellow swimmers to trip and fall and cause injury. Keeping things spread out near the pool can create tripping hazards, especially if items are left on the ground or in walkways.
Check if your swimming pool has safety equipment and if a trained person is available for first aid.
Also, your swimming pool should be clean to avoid waterborne diseases to be transmitted. The cleanliness of a pool should be gauged by the color of the pool. Clear blue pools indicate cleanliness.
Swimming pool safety is of utmost importance for everyone, whether you are a pool owner or a guest. Following these swimming pool safety tips can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone has a fun and enjoyable time in and around the pool
