In the wake of the tragic accidental drowning of Emeline Grier Miller, we at Island Pools first send our sympathy, support, and love to parents Bode Miller and Morgan Beck. The two professional athletes understood the importance of swimming pool safety and did everything right, and yet still the unthinkable happened.
It is with heavy hearts and high hopes that we bring you this article of swimming pool safety tips. We urge you to read carefully, and implement many (if not all) of these tactics, because a child’s life is precious and no family deserves to experience this depth of loss.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Families
- Install a climb-resistant pool safety fence, at least four feet in height, and a self-locking gate.
- Place a safety cover over the pool when not in use, and consider removing ladders and other entry points.
- Install a pool alarm to detect ripples in the water; you can select the level of sensitivity.
- Purchase a wearable pool safety monitor for children. The Safety Turtle sets off a loud alarm the instant your child touches the water.
- NEVER leave children unattended, keep them within arm’s reach. If a child goes missing, ALWAYS check the pool first. Seconds count in these situations.
- Certify yourself in CPR and first aid, and encourage other parents, older children, and anyone with a swimming pool to do the same.
- Keep a first aid kit, rescue ring, and safety hook near the pool for emergencies.
- Enroll your kids in swimming lessons, and ensure they’re proficient before allowing them in the pool.
- Keep life vests on hand for small children, and ensure they are strapped in tightly.
- Close and lock all doors and windows leading to the pool, particularly when everyone else is inside.
- Always put away toys, floats, etc. when pooltime is over, to avoid tempting a child into the water in pursuit.
- Secure drain covers, and warn kids to stay away from them; always know where the vacuum shutoff is located, just in case.
- Set rules and make sure all guests know them – buddy system, no running, no diving, etc.
- Beware of silence. A child drowning doesn’t make a peep.
- Check the chemical levels of your swimming pool every day. Diseases can be as deadly as drowning.
We hate to taint the joyful sunny days of summer with such sad news, but this tragedy serves to remind us all to be extra cautious. Emeline’s passing is not in vain if even one child is saved by increased swimming pool safety awareness.