Here are a few tips to make sure that you and your family stay safe when you spend a day playing at the pool.
1. Use the buddy system.
No matter what your age, it is always wise to have someone with you when you are in a pool. If you get hurt or knocked unconscious, your buddy can get help right away.2. Learn the rules for the pool you are using.
Most pools' rules are very similar, but it is always wise to check. Rules are usually posted on the fence or wall near the entrance, and it only takes a moment to read through them. If it's a new pool to you, there may be something important that you need to be aware of.
3. Teach children to stay away from water without an adult.
A child should never be near the water unsupervised. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye. Teach them how dangerous that it can be and to never go near water without first asking permission from the adult in charge.
4. Make sure there is a phone nearby.
If something happens and you need to call 911, you don't want to have to go very far to get help. If there are only two of you, you may not be able to leave at all. If the pool does not have a phone of its own, make sure that you have a charged cell phone with your belongings.5. Know where the pool rescue equipment is located.
Every pool should have a shepherd's hook and a life preserver. Using one of these to pull a drowning person out of the water is much safer than going in after them. They could pull you under. A quick glance around the pool when you first arrive should let you know where these items are kept.6. Avoid entrapment.
Never use a pool if the drain cover is broken or missing. Suction from pool drains can trap a swimmer underwater. If the pool you are using does not look safe, report it and find someplace else to swim.7. Don't run.
We've all heard lifeguards repeatedly yelling this phrase at children our entire lives. Well, you grow up and realize that they weren't just trying to spoil the fun, but it's actually a very dangerous thing to run around a pool. A small slip can lead to a very large gash in the head, or worse. There should also be no pushing or horseplay for the same reasons, and if you are jumping or diving in, make sure that it's not against that pool's rules. If the water isn't deep enough, it may not be safe.8. Wear sunscreen.
Water isn't the only danger at an outdoor pool. A sunburn is not a souvenir that you want from your day out. A sunscreen with at least SPF 15 is suggested, even on a cloudy day. It should be reapplied every 2 hours, and after swimming and sweating.
As an added precaution, take a class to learn CPR for both children and adults. This can help you in many dangerous situations other than the swimming pool. It's one of those things in life that is very good to know, but you hope that you never need to use.
Doing these things won't spoil any of your fun, and it assures that you will be around to have fun for many more days at the pool. Mission Bay's homeowners have access to both our indoor and outdoor pools, as well as some beautiful park areas, a pond, and the gorgeous Lake itself. When you live in one of our waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, there is plenty of outdoor fun right where you live. Have a wonderful summer outside, and stay safe.
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Phone: (573) 873-3465
237 Mission Bay Blvd.
Camdenton, MO 65020
