Tips To Prevent Pool-Related Injuries

June 6, 2003

ROSEMONT, Ill. (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons) -- For many, summer and the pool go hand in hand. Swimming at the local beach, neighborhood or backyard pool is a regular part of the summer routine. The pool can provide hours of fun but also can be a dangerous place.

In 2001, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 208,000 injuries were treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms. Among those injuries, there were 850 spinal cord injuries from diving accidents. Of those, more than 300 injuries occurred at a home pool. The majority of pool-related spinal cord injuries resulted in paralysis of all four limbs.

Whether at the beach or in the backyard, the American Academy of orthopedic Surgeons offers these tips for the pool to make swimming as safe and injury free as possible:

Educate guests about the pool. Point out depth markings, lighting, diving board location, surface and time for use.
Avoid diving into shallow water. Dive only off the end of a diving board.
Set enforceable hours for pool use and secure the pool with fencing to keep people out during inappropriate hours.
Swim in a pool only if you can see the bottom at the deepest point
Do not allow guests to swim alone or to consume alcohol or drugs while swimming.
When the pool is in use, always have someone present who is trained in water safety and life-saving techniques. Keep rescue equipment by the pool.
Be careful around the pool. When the surface is wet, it can be very slippery and it is easy to fall.
Anyone watching young children around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child if necessary.
Never leave your children alone in or near the pool.
Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back in.
Don't attempt to swim if you are too tired, too cold, or overheated.
Use common sense about swimming after eating. You don not have to wait an hour after eating to return to the water, however, if you have had a large meal, it is wise to let digestion start before you start swimming.