Swimming Pool Safety In Ontario Can Help Prevent Injuries And Save Lives
Now is the time to open up the backyard pool as eased restrictions on gatherings means that taking a dip with friends is no longer frowned upon. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way to cool off in the summer. Many people across Ontario are taking this time to reunite with friends they haven’t seen in over a year. However, before you invite friends and family over, consider these swimming pool safety tips.
Ensure safe fun in the sun with family and friends, address your duty of care obligations as a home and pool owner, and protect your liability in case of a swimming pool injury.
Swimming Pool Safety Precautions For Any Homeowner In Ontario
There are several different precautions homeowners can take to ensure no accidents occur around or in their swimming pool. Homeowners in Ontario have a legal and moral obligation to protect their guests from harm while visiting their homes. Homeowners must take reasonable steps to prevent swimming pool accidents, and should an accident occur, be able to prove they took reasonable steps to prevent the accident from happening.
Consider these precautions and tips any Ontario homeowner with a pool can use to prevent swimming pool accidents.
- Install clear and visible signage that outlines the pool’s rules to help prevent accidents and demonstrate that as a homeowner, you are taking reasonable steps to ensure the safety of guests.
- Verbally explain pool rules to all guests and point to any signage showing the specifics of all the rules that are in place.
- Implement a strict feet first rule for all guests. Unless your pool has clearly marked depths appropriate for diving, consider banning diving altogether.
- Have a rule that clearly explains that any slides or diving boards are to only be used by one person at a time.
- Drinking and drugs never mix with swimming, so save any alcohol or cannabis use for after guests are done swimming.
- Supervise all guests as they swim, and never let children swim unsupervised.
- Cancel the pool party in the event of bad weather. Wet pool surfaces are a major slipping hazard and guests run the risk of being struck by lightning should they swim during a thunderstorm.
- Consider obtaining training in CPR and First Aid to remain prepared during an emergency at your pool.
- Guests who are not strong swimmers should wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) while enjoying your pool. Provide life jackets to guests and gently encourage them to wear one if you fear they might pose a risk for drowning.
- Have a lifesaver near the pool at all times that can be thrown to someone who is drowning or struggling to swim.
- A proper closed or locked fence around your pool can prevent incidents from occurring even when you aren’t supervising your pool. A fully fenced pool can prevent children from accidentally falling into a pool.
- Before guests arrive at your pool, clear away any loose pool toys, equipment or debris to prevent slip and fall injuries.
- Monitor your guests for exhaustion or dehydration, and ensure they remain physically and mentally sound while swimming in your pool.
- Invest in a pool cover that can prevent guests from falling into the pool when it is not in use.
- Spend the time and money to regularly maintain your pool including pumps, lighting, and the surfaces around your pool.
Swimming Pool Safety: Homeowner Liability and Injuries in Ontario
Summer fun in Ontario can be done safely with the right precautions. As a homeowner, you bear the responsibility if someone is seriously injured while using your pool and it is later proven you were negligent. Take the right precautions to ensure you’re protected should a guest get hurt on your property.
Should you be injured while swimming due to someone else’s negligence, De Rose lawyers can help you get the care and compensation you deserve. Contact us to learn more about swimming pool injuries. Protect yourself by making sure you know your rights as an injured party or a homeowner that is being held liable for a swimming pool injury.