As most pool owners open their pools this time of year, May is a fitting month for water safety awareness. Spending time in, and around, the pool during the hot summer months is a much desired escape for pool owners and swimmers.

Soaking up the sun on a pool float might be the only thing on your mind this season. However, understanding the importance of pool and water safety is critical. Knowing how to spot signs of danger, and how to prevent it in the first place, will give you the peace of mind you need to have a wonderful swim season. So put on your goggles, grab your snorkels, and let’s dive in!

Safety First: Adult Supervision
As soon as you open your pool for the season, water safety should be your number one priority. The key to preventing swimming pool accidents or death is to have eyes on the pool at all times. Never leave children, pets, or any vulnerable person unsupervised around a pool. Accidents can happen in seconds, and when water is involved, those seconds count.

Most swimming pool accidents occur in residential areas, due to a lack of supervision. Commercial swimming pools statistically have fewer pool accidents due to one simple thing – lifeguards. Always designate a responsible adult to keep an eye on the pool when it is in use. Especially when children are present. If you notice a child is missing from your house or yard, always check the pool area first.

EXPERT TIP: When watching your pool, follow the 10:20 rule that lifeguards use. It should take you less than 10 seconds to thoroughly scan your pool, and less than 20 seconds to reach anyone who may need help.

Pool Safety Fences and Equipment
If you have a backyard at your house, chances are there is a fence around it. This is the first layer of protection from people getting into your pool by accident. If you have an inground pool in your yard, add a safety pool fence around the pool’s perimeter to keep the water safety pool fence the pool off-limits until you are ready to safely use it. Many safety fences are removable, which gives the pool owner flexibility and the option to take the fence down if they need to.

For above ground pools, install a locking safety ladder. Above ground pool ladder systems range in price and features, from basic locking ladders to secure pool entry systems with a self-closing locking gate. Most above ground pools already come with a standard ladder. However, investing in a high-quality, locking safety ladder is strongly recommended.