May is National Water Safety Month and a number of organizations, including the APSP, are doing their part. But what are pool builders themselves doing? This is a great opportunity for pool builders to show the public — and their customers and potential customers — that they care about more than building pools. They also care about the safety of their customers after that pool is built.
A good place for builders to start is by educating themselves on water safety. Take this simple quiz:
1. Do you know where drowning ranks among causes of death for children age 5 and under?
2. Can you name three layers of protection for water safety?
3. What is the official water safety response if a parent asks how much supervision their children need around the pool?
4. What safety measures are required by law in your area and what else would you recommend?
5. How long does it take someone to drown?
I'll provide the answers at the end of this post. But if you were struggling or unsure of even a few of these, it shows a need to get yourself educated about water safety. Water Safety Month is a good chance to do some positive PR for your firm. Show your support by hosting a water safety clinic in your area. Or work with your local paper to put together a water safety resource for the community. There's a chance you could help your business — and even save a life.
Answers:
1. Among those 1-14, fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes, according to the CDC
2. Fences, Alarms and Supervision. Get more information on layers of protection at the Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County
3. Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water, according to PoolSafely
4. This one is determined by local and state jurisdictions
5. Drowning can happen in less than 30 seconds. Here's a great article that dispels some common myths about drowning.
