PALM DESERT, Calif., May 22, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- May is National Water Safety Month, but anyone who owns a pool knows that safety is a 24/7, 365 proposition – especially when it comes to kids. Young children are drawn to water, and typically have no fear of it. In the time it takes to answer your phone, tragedy can strike. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death in children age 1-14 in the U.S., and the #1 killer of children under five. Every one of these deaths is preventable.
Steve the Pool Man and Hire Standards-America's Pool Service have a number of good tips to offer to keep your family safe around your pool.
- Supervision – Watch children at all times. In the time it takes for you to answer the phone or sign for a package, a child can slip into the pool. They usually don't even scream for help.
- Safety Covers provide a measure of protection when pool or spa are not in use.
- Install Alarms to alert you when a door or gate is opened. Alarms can be added to pool covers, and even in the pool to detect when someone enters the water. There are even wristbands with immersion detectors, for children and adults.
- Safety-Compliant Drain Covers – Make sure your pool has them.
- Water Safety Skills – Learn how to swim and teach your children to swim. Learn how to perform basic CPR.
- Fence pool areas and use self-closing and self-latching gates.
- Safety Equipment such as life vests, handrails and first-aid kits provide safety and peace of mind.
Pool owners are also encouraged to take an online course developed by the American Red Cross and the National Swimming Pool Foundation. The 2-hour online course teaches home pool and hot tub owners, basic maintenance, and how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The course includes 6 months of online access and a printable Home Pool Essentials:™ Maintenance & Safety handbook for only $19.95.
Steve the Pool Man also recommends the use of Sea Squirts®, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Type III Personal Flotation Devices. Sea Squirts are neoprene on the outside with a soft-against-the-skin tech fabric liner and include Buoyancy Technology that helps kids achieve greater control and stability in the water. To order one of the children's life jackets: http://www.stevethepoolman.com/Sea-Squirts--Childrens--Life-Jackets
For more information: 760-341-3377 or www.SteveThePoolMan.com or www.Americaspoolservice.com
To download the Home Pool Essentials:™ Maintenance & Safety handbook: www.stevethepoolman.com/Pool-101
Steve Little, aka 'Steve the Pool Man', has been in the swimming pool industry for over 15 years. He has built hundreds of swimming pools and his company Hire Standards – America's Pool Service, maintains thousands of swimming pools throughout the desert each week.
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