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Is your Swimming Pool Putting you at Risk?

During hot summer days, nothing is more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool. Many people believe that swimming pools are safe, so long as everyone is behaving well and there are other people around. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case, and last year swimming pool drownings led to the deaths of 163 people during the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day alone (U.S. CPSC). For this reason, it is important to be informed about how to prevent drownings and keep safe at the pool.

  • Restrict Access to the Pool

Young children are the most at risk group in pool drownings. It can be easy for children to slip away from sight and on a hot summer day, the pool can seem alluring. Putting up a safety fence to prevent young children from accessing the pool on their own can help prevent drownings.

  • Know the Signs of Drowning

All too often, people believe drowning is apparent; in movies and TV, it is often depicted as flailing and yelling for help. In reality, drowning tends to be silent and can often be quick. Among the most common signs of drowning are gasping, sudden quietness, and trying to swim but getting nowhere. To read a full list of signs from Medical News Today, click here.

  • Learn How to Swim

Whether learning how to swim yourself or making sure any little ones know how to, knowing how to swim can save lives and reduce the risk of drowning. To find a class near you, visit the Red Cross’ class finder page.

  • Be Careful Around Alcohol

While drowning in swimming pools is much more common in children than adults, Pool Safely reports that 51 adults drowned in pools in 2016. One of the most common factors in these deaths was the involvement of alcohol. Watch intoxicated adults similarly to toddlers, and be on the lookout for signs that they are in distress.

  • Don’t Assume Someone Else is Watching

All too often, when someone drowns others around them will claim that they thought someone else was watching. Make sure that when around pools, someone is acting as a lifeguard and pay careful attention to swimmers that are at the highest risk. Never leave young or incapacitated swimmers alone in the pool and be extra alert if it becomes suddenly quiet.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we know the importance of keeping loved ones safe and we want to help. For more pool safety tips, visit The American Red Cross. For those homeowners who have a pool or are considering one, contact one of our agents in order to learn more about your liability and make sure that you’re properly protected so you can play the day away without worry.

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.