Monthly Archives: May 2017

May is National Water Safety Month, and we’ve already talked about some key steps to keeping your pool safe. Those tips include being vigilant by the pool, keeping emergency numbers and kits nearby, and ensuring your perimeter fence is well maintained and up to code. Since it is so important to make sure all swimmers and guests in your pool area are safe, Gizmo, our safety mascot, asked us to share some ideas on how to keep our four legged friends safe around the pool too. Since dogs seem to be the real lovers of water, let’s focus on them first. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you and your pup are hanging out by the water.

Not All Dogs Love Water

First off, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Although most dogs know how to swim, not all are good at it. For example, I have two dogs, one of which swims like a fish, the other does the most uncoordinated version of the doggy paddle as possible! Needless to say, they don’t exactly get along in the pool.

Safety Gear

It is always a good idea to put a life jacket on your dog when out in open water or if your dog is getting tired from swimming in the pool. Lifejackets are also useful tools to help get your furry friend more comfortable in the water. Additionally, always be sure your dog knows where they can exit the pool either by the stairs or a ramp. The Scamper Ramp is a handy attachment that makes it easy for dogs to see and exit the pool.

Keep Your Pups Hydrated

Dogs can get overheated and exhausted swimming in the hot sun, so be sure to provide fresh water by the pool. Although pool water for the most part is harmless, ingested in high quantities, it can cause digestive irritation, so keep that water bowl nearby.

Let’s Not Forget Our Other Four-Legged Friends

If you own a pool, you know that dogs aren’t the only critters that end up in the water. Many a chipmunk and frog have found their demise by unwittingly falling into a pool. Use this easy ramp to give the little guys a fighting chance to get out, The Frog Log Critter Ramp. Check out more information here about protecting all creatures great and small when taking steps to keep your pool safe. Here at Pool Scouts, we can’t get enough pictures and videos of animals in pools. Like us on Facebook to see some of those fun posts and send us pictures of your own furry friends in the pool! Whether you are just opening your pool for the season or are in need of regular maintenance, give Pool Scouts a call. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly pool cleaning options to keep your pool up, running, and ready for your furry friends at all times!

Welcome to National Water Safety Month!  Each year Pool Scouts will spend the month of May talking about how we, as pool owners, can keep our backyards safe for family, friends and neighbors. Last year we introduced Gizmo, our Pool Safety Mascot, and he is back to offer up more advice. Part of my job here at Pool Scouts is to keep up with events and activities within the industry. Because of that, I am all too familiar with the statistics that are associated with the dangers of pools. It seems like every day I read about another drowning that could have been avoided with a few simple steps. So let’s get to them so we can focus on enjoying our pools! SECURE THE PERIMETER Ensure that the perimeter around your pool is secure and up to state requirements! This means that in some states, fences and gates should be at least than 5ft high and latches should be located on the inside of the gate. Your fence is the first line of defense to keeping your pool safe. Whether it is the yard fence or a life fence, making sure it is in good condition is so important. SUPERVISE AND REMOVE TEMPTATIONS The best way to keep all swimmers safe is to be a responsible observer. Keeping a watchful, undistracted eye on swimmers is key. Pool goers of all ages are susceptible to getting into trouble, leaving anyone unmonitored for any amount of time could make a difference. Additionally, be sure to remove all pool tools and floats from the pool and store in a secure place. These items are too tempting to little children to reach out and try to grab. BE PREPARED Should you find yourself faced with a swimmer in trouble, time is of the essence. Be sure to keep the pool area and those in charge of watching swimmers, prepared:

• Keep safety equipment readily available: pool hook, flotation devices and first aid kit (equipped with scissors to cut hair or clothes that may get stuck in filter suction)
• Post emergency phone numbers in the pool area and keep a phone within arm’s reach
• Be up to date on CPR certification. The organization CPR Party make it easy and fun to get and stay certified

LEARN TO SWIM The USA Swimming Foundation states that the risk of drowning decreases by 88% when someone takes swim lessons! That is an impressive statistic, and with so many organizations promoting programs that help people learn to swim, it is easy to find readily available lessons that don’t cost a lot. TAKE THE PLEDGE With so many alarming statistics surrounding swimming, organizations around the country have committed to raising awareness and making efforts to educate others on the dangers of swimming and being near water. The USA Swimming Foundation runs the “Make A Splash” program, offering information and resources for adults and parents interested in lessons for themselves or their children. Both Pool Safely and The National Water Safety Month organization encourage you to “Take the Pledge” to be safe swimmers. The American Red Cross also offers an app to promote safe swimming for people of all ages. Summer and fun are synonymous, but keeping safe is important. As pool owners, it is important we do our part to ensure our pool is safe!