Swimming Pool Safety

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Swimming Pool Safety

Ten people drown each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional death in the United States.

Take steps to avoid drowning risk in a swimming pool:

  • Place a fence at least four feet high around the pool. Use self-closing and self-latching gates that are out of reach of children. Be sure the fence does not have an opening that will allow a four-inch sphere to pass through.
  • Have pool safety and rescue equipment readily available, including: Lifeguard high chair; Life rings; Shepherd’s Hook; accessory pole and divider buoy lines; Emergency response kits that include first aid equipment; Pool drain covers equipped with anti-entrapment (anti-vortex) devices in accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act; Signs with emergency contact numbers; ADA Pool Lifts (if required) that are maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

 

  • Do not install diving boards or slides. Install and maintain non-slip flooring and use a pool safety cover during off season.
  • Post “No Diving” signs, depth markings and pool rules and hours.
  • Post “No Lifeguard” sign if a lifeguard is not on duty. Lifeguards must be trained, certified and skilled in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). If using an outside contractor, have a good “hold harmless” agreement supported by an insurance policy.
  • Maintain water quality in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas, or other applicable standard.
  • Electrical outlets and equipment must be in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and be equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
  • Inspect the pool annually to ensure it is compliant with federal, state and local regulations. 

This material is informational only. It is not intended to be, and is not in fact, a statement, in whole or in part, of GNY’s underwriting guidelines. Nothing said here amends or affects the interpretation, application, or both, of the coverage provisions in any GNY insurance policy; nor do the statements made here constitute a representation that insurance coverage exists for any loss under any GNY policy. Coverage depends on facts and circumstances of each individual claim or loss, the applicable laws, and the policy provisions in the GNY insurance policy.