Growing up in Hawaii, the ocean wasn’t just a stunning backdrop to our daily lives, it was a powerful force that commanded absolute respect. Because water was everywhere, water safety wasn’t treated as a suggestion or an afterthought – it was fiercely drummed into every child from Day One.
I remember the exact moment I fully understood this cultural mindset: fourth grade. For us, that was the year swim lessons were mandatory. It wasn’t an extracurricular choice, and it wasn’t just for fun. It was a foundational requirement for living on an island. We were taught early on that understanding the water didn’t
ruin the fun of it; rather, it was the very thing that allowed us to enjoy it safely.
I find myself thinking back to those mandatory fourth grade lessons every year when May rolls around and our industry promotes National Water Safety Month.
Today, in the pool and spa industry, our livelihood revolves around bringing water into people’s backyards. We’re incredibly lucky that our business sells joy, relaxation, and family memories. But
because it’s so inherently tied to leisure and luxury, there is still hesitation in our ranks to talk about the serious stuff.
And yes, talking about drowning risks, layers of protection, and safety protocols aren’t exactly the most glamorous part of selling a new pool or hot tub. You may worry that bringing up secure covers, safety alarms, camera systems, fencing and gates, or anything that acknowledges the possibility of water-related accidents with our customers will burst their bubble of excitement.
We need to let go of that fear. Because avoiding the safety conversation doesn’t protect a sale, it just leaves our customers unequipped and vulnerable. As pool and spa professionals, we are the undisputed experts. When a customer decides to invest in their backyard, they are placing their trust in us, looking to us for guidance to navigate backyard safety. Being proactive and upfront about water safety doesn’t make you a buzzkill, it actually elevates you.
This is clearly evidenced in “Protecting Their Joy,” where our Deputy Editor Rebecca Robledo talks to industry professionals who have led the charge in advocating for water safety, and offer insight and tips
into how you can sensitively approach this topic with your customers. I truly believe that this approach will help establish your business as a caring, professional authority that values your clients’ families just as much as your own.
Back in Hawaii, understanding water safety didn’t make me afraid of the ocean – it gave me freedom and assurance to enjoy the water. We have the tools, the expertise, and the platform to give that same confidence to every family we serve. Let’s not shy away from this conversation but step up and lead it instead.
Happy Water Safety Month!
