Houston, TX (PRWEB) December 17, 2015
Texas leads the nation among accidental drowning incidents each year. There are several ways to prevent an accidental drowning in a pool environment. Pool safety barrier fences are a big part of drowning prevention.
In addition to pool safety accessories, the Texas Drowning Prevention Alliance (TXDPA) — a group of advocates all with the passion for preventing drowning in the state of Texas — outlines the ABC’s of Water Safety.
A is for Adult Supervision:
- Remember the No. 1 Water Safety Rule: "Never ever swim alone!"
- Always WATCH your swimmers, especially at a public pool!
- Hire a certified lifeguard for pool parties whenever kids are present.
- Tragedies often occur when a caregiver is at home and there is a lapse of supervision.
B is for Barriers:
- The first line of defense is to install and use "Layers of Protection".
- Perimeter fences must be non-climbable, four-sided, and a minimum of 48 to 60 inches high.
- Isolation fences must separate the pool/spa from the residence with openings no more than 4 inches wide so children can't squeeze through the spaces. They must be non-climbable, four-sided, and a minimum of 48 inches high. Sixty inches is recommended.
- Gates must be kept closed and never propped open
- Doors, windows, and gates must be locked, self-closing, and self-latching.
- Tables / chairs / planters must be moved away from the pool.
C is for Classes:
- Enroll your children in proven swimming lessons until they have mastered the four competitive strokes, can tread water, sidestroke, and float.
- CPR skills have saved lives and prevented brain damage until assistance arrives. All caregivers should be required to become CPR-certified.
D is for Devices:
- Keep a cell phone by the pool whenever you are there.
- Post 911 emergency number, home phone number, and address by a phone.
- Purchase a lightning detector or get out of the water when threatening weather looms.
Keep in mind that floating toys, balls, and sinking toys left in the pool are enticing for both children and animals. When done swimming, remove all toys from the pool and be sure all gates and openings are latched shut.
“Drowning can be prevented. Contrary to what most people believe, drowning is a quick and silent killer. In the time it takes to get a towel (10 seconds), a child can become submerged. The majority of drownings occur in family pools,” TDPA’s website states.
Pool Guard Texas can help you achieve the ABCs of water safety. ASTM-certified pool barrier systems can be bought and installed from Pool Guard Texas to be used around a back yard swimming pool. Fence systems are designed for child safety and meet, and even sometimes exceed, all of the suggested barrier guidelines for safety around the pool. The Pool Guard Texas team can provide shorter fencing for pet-only protection. These accessories are available to make a pool area that much more safe, with products like UV coated interlocked mesh for great transparency in a pool fence to self-closing/self-latching gate entry points and everything in between.
Pool Guard Texas’ team members has a wealth of knowledge regarding water safety. How to secure a pool is their specialty, but they also can help recommend where to take swimming lessons locally and where to buy certain pool supplies. For questions about the ABCs of Water safety, give Pool Guard Texas a call today for help around the pool this year! Office locations are in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin/San Antonio.
About the company:
Pool Guard Texas helps keep swimming pools safe in Houston, The Woodlands, Dallas, Ft. Worth and Austin, TX. Their swimming pool fencing products are manufactured with the highest-quality materials available. For over 30 years, Pool Guard Texas has installed and manufactured over 65,000 pool fences nationwide. They use their own trained and certified professional installers and take great pride in their work. Pool Guard Texas makes families safe for generations to come. They offer pool safety fences, fence materials and swimming pool enclosures. For more information about Pool Guard Texas, visit their website at http://poolguardtexas.com/.