It’s no secret that there are a lot of swimming pools in Montecito and Hope Ranch. This time of year, when our pools are uncovered most of the time and friends and family are enjoying a splash, we need to be especially mindful of the following swimming pool safety tips. Here’s what experts advise pool owners to do to prevent accidents:
- Keep your pool fenced at all times, especially for families with children.
- Both slides and diving boards are considered a safety hazard, so shut them down.
- Let your insurance company know that you have a pool and make sure you are properly covered in the case of an accident. Most homeowner policies include a minimum of $100,000 in liability protection. Pool owners may want to increase the amount substantially.
- Never leave children unsupervised — even for a second, even if they know how to swim. This goes for pets too, as dogs and cats can fall into the pool and drown; even if they know how to swim. Never leave toys or floats in the pool as they may tempt kids or pets trying to get them. Keep children away from pool filters, drains and other mechanical devices.
- Be prepared; in the event of an accident, clearly post emergency numbers.
- Create a pool safety toolkit for your home pool or spa with the following items: a pair of scissors to cut hair, clothing or a pool cover; a charged portable telephone to call 911; a flotation device; ring buoys and reaching poles near the pool. Get certified in basic first-aid and CPR training. Child and infant CPR certification is a great idea as well since there are some very important differences in performing life-saving procedures on little ones.
Pool owners must be vigilant about water safety, especially as the weather heats up. Remember, as a Montecito or Hope Ranch homeowner with a pool, you’re responsible 100% of the time.
If you’re considering selling your luxury home in Santa Barbara or its surrounding areas such as Montecito or Hope Ranch, with or without a swimming pool, please give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Check out the new listings on my website to get an idea of what’s going on in the market right now.