Swimming is often synonymous with summer, especially in northern states like Minnesota where we live. Lakes and pools are nearly in constant use during the hot months of June, July and August.
The American Red Cross lists some very good safety tips for swimming, especially in swimming pools. Since swimming pools of the indoor sort can be used year-round, we thought we would share some safety tips for swimming pools along with some cleaning tips.
Swimming Safety Tips from the American Red Cross
The following tips are directly from the American Red Cross page on swimming safety tips for beginners to those working on improving their skills. These tips can save a life and many are applicable to beaches as well as swimming pools.
Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water.
Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water is. Avoid distractions including cell phones.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Designate a “water watcher” whenever in a group setting.
Take smart precautions and use layers of protection.
Stay within an arm's reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Do not rely on the use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation to replace adult supervision.
If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water.
Many children who drown in home pools did so during non-swim times – when they weren’t expected to be in the water, including as the swimming activity was coming to an end and everyone was thought to be out of the water.
Children were often out of sight for less than 5 minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well and what to do in a water emergency.
If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
Children often overestimate their swimming powers and need supervision when playing in the water. No one wants a tragedy.
Another item I would include is to always let someone know when you are going swimming and where.
Cleaning your pool and keeping it cleaner
There are many ways to keep your pool sanitary and clean including chlorine.
Well, did you know that you can use Vital Oxide to clean your pool?
Vital Oxide is an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant cleaner, mold killer, and odor eliminator. Its formula contains a unique form of stabilized chlorine dioxide that is very effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and mold yet non-corrosive to treated articles and gentle enough to handle without causing skin irritation. It is ready to use with no mixing required—just spray, wipe, or fog right from the bottle.
You can spray or fog it onto the inside of your pool, prior to filling with water. Vital Oxide can kill 99.999% of bacteria that cause mold and mildew. Vital Oxide is safe on skin and is safe enough to use to clean food service areas. It is strong enough to kill microbes and keep you and your family safer when at home or on vacation.
Once you have sprayed on the Vital Oxide, let it dry completely, then spray on our Bio Protect. This antimicrobial surface protectant will inhibit mold, mildew and algae growth allowing you to empty and clean your pool less often, especially the small kiddie pools that tend to grow large amounts of algae in just a few days. Once again, spray Bio Protect on the entirety of the pool before filling and let it do it's magic!
You can use your convenient travel size to clean up the area where you will sit or use chairs and tables at or near a public pool.
Knowing that whatever space you are in can easily be disinfected with our powerful, yet gentle products makes relaxing a bit more.... well.. Relaxing! Now, ENJOY your Summer!
Questions?
If you have further questions or want to know more about how we can help you with the sanitizing of your pool, your home, office, church, etc., please contact us and we will set you up with an agent near you that will be happy to assist you.
Comments