Swim Safely

Swimming pools are synonymous with summertime fun — but this summer has shown the doubled-edged sword that pools present, with numerous drownings involving both adults and children in Suffolk County. People think of pools as the safe alternative to swimming in the ocean, but there are many risks that must be managed.

Suffolk County actually offers a wealth of information to help pool owners, and the county and local governments require a great many safety measures around home swimming pools. What’s important is that homeowners recognize that these are not examples of “government overreach” or needless regulation — they save lives every single day. When there is a lapse, and something awful happens, it is a reminder of why pool regulations are so strict.

It starts with children, of course. The organization Stop Drowning Now notes that 3,500 people will drown this year, and drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4. Perhaps the most frightening number of all: 88 percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present.

The American Red Cross recommends common-sense measures: always keep a close eye on children in or near a pool, keep younger children within arm’s reach, no running or diving — the basics. But adults have much more responsibility to make a pool a safer place. They must have barriers to prevent entry into a pool area without supervision. They should have removable ladders to discourage the use of above-ground pools when unattended.

But there are so many more steps that must be taken. Door alarms to pool areas are typically required by code — but they can be annoying to families who use the pool a great deal, and there’s a temptation to disconnect them. Don’t.

Likewise, there is a misconception that a child drowning makes a lot of noise and splashes a great deal. In fact, it can be chillingly silent. But there are pool alarms designed to warn when a child, adult or even a pet enters the water.

Suffolk County government offers some terrific other tips, some of which might not come immediately to mind. If a child is missing, look in the pool first. Appoint a designated adult “watcher” to actively monitor kids in the pool at all times. Keep rescue equipment handy — but make sure toys are always taken out of the water, so as not to lure curious children toward the water.

Finally — and it’s perhaps the most important tip — learn CPR, and ask family members to as well. In cases involving pools, CPR can be the difference between life and death. The county offers lessons: Call (631) 852-5080 for information.

Nobody looks out on the ocean and thinks, “What a safe place to swim!” It’s time for people to see swimming pools the same way: beautiful, a summer staple — but demanding of respect and caution.