Tuesday, April 16, 2013

National Water Safety Month: Be Aware, Be Prepared

In the pool and spa industry, water safety is an essential, yet delicate topic of discussion. The continuous balance industry professionals face between making sure the public is educated to the responsibilities of pool ownership, yet not afraid to enjoy the classic American past time, comes to light each May for National Water Safety Month.


How can you as a pool owner make sure your backyard is a safe place this summer?

Pay Attention to Available Information.

A multitude of information on safely enjoying your swimming pool is provided by various manufacturers and agencies within the industry. With new purchases of pool equipment, liners, covers, and pool accessories safety information is provided via pamphlets and instruction manuals. Most of these materials will include tips to make your pool environment safe, procedures to know in case of emergency, proper diving techniques, and how to teach your children about water safety. It is important to read all this information and be prepared. You will enjoy your backyard oasis in a much more relaxed way if you know you are aware and prepared should an emergency arise.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (www.apsp.org) is dedicated to water safety and has excellent safety information available to consumers.
 
Invest in Safety Products.

The pool and spa industry has made significant strides in offering products to make swimming pools a safer environment.

Non-Permanent Safety Fence—Because this fence is easy to assemble, you can keep have it up as your children grow, and take it down after a few years, or leave it up during the week and take it down for your weekend pool party!
 
Pool Alarms— Pool alarms can be set to activate if a child falls into an unattended pool. Additionally, pool alarm technology has greatly advanced in the past few years, minimizing false alarms.

Safety Covers— Safety Covers are your best option for a worry-free winter. Typically installed and removed by a pool professional, it protects your pool from unauthorized entry during the colder months.



Proper Supervision.

Nothing can replace the safety and security of attentive human supervision.

Water safety is not just the pool owner or pool builder's responsibility. It is the responsibility of the entire community to become educated and remain aware at all times. Don't be afraid to create the backyard you've always imagined, but learn to enjoy it safely.
 
 
 
 
View Merlin's line of Safety Covers and Safety Fencing at www.merlinindustries.com