More summer safety tips from your friends at Protectus Security! While we specialize in installing business and home security systems in Dallas, we believe in safety in all things!

This time of year, most folks in Dallas love to beat the heat in some nice, cool water, whether it’s in an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool, a kiddie-sized wading pool, or even a bucket dumped over their head after a few hours of yard work. If not properly attended, however, any amount of standing water can become a serious hazard, even in sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Follow these tips to make sure your family and friends stay safe around water this summer and throughout the year:

• Supervise children constantly – Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water, so leaving a young child unattended for even a minute or two can be dangerous. Always stay within arms’ reach of a young child, and keep yourself from becoming distracted by other adults, food, or your phone. If there are multiple adults in the area, take turns being the designated “water watcher” for fifteen minutes at a time – that way, the kids stay safe and no adult has to miss out on the party for very long.
• Eliminate temporary hazards – Empty bathtubs, kiddie pools, and buckets of water as soon as they are no longer needed to prevent accidents.
• Secure permanent hazards – Install a fence or barrier all the way around your pool or hot tub that is at least four feet tall and has a self-closing, self-latching gate. Purchase an appropriate safety cover for your pool or hot tub when not in use, and install an alarm that will go off if someone enters the water unexpectedly. Make sure all drain covers meet appropriate safety standards, as even an adult can drown when caught in strong suction from a pool or hot tub. Close toilet seats and secure them with childproof locks. Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
• Keep water clean – Keep pool and hot tub water clear and balanced. Maintain proper circulation and filtration, and test chemical levels regularly and adjust them as needed. Water that is dirty or unbalanced can lead to ear aches, rashes, and potentially serious diseases. Keep sinks and bathtubs free of mold and other grime.
• Teach your family to swim – Everyone who lives in a home with a pool or hot tub should learn how to swim as soon as they are old enough. Check with your local YMCA, USA Swimming chapter, or Parks and Recreation Department for information about swimming lessons for all ages, from toddlers through adults. Enroll adults and older children in CPR classes, as there will most likely not be a professional lifeguard in your backyard. Know the important differences between performing CPR on adults and on children.
• Set rules and enforce them – Teach children to respect water and the danger it poses without being afraid of it. Never let children stand in a bathtub or shower without adult supervision. Teach children to walk near pools and hot tubs, to always swim with a buddy, to stay away from drain covers and suction outlets, and never to dive in a depth of less than ten feet. Help children locate multiple exits from a swimming pool. Always review your household water safety rules with all children and even visiting adults before the fun begins.

Almost everyone enjoys a good dip during the summer months – and it’ll be a lot more enjoyable if you don’t have to worry about potential dangers! Protectus Security Home Security Systems in Dallas wishes you a great summer swimming season!

Protectus Security

1201 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75215

Protecting your home, family, and business with our home and business security systems in Dallas, TX and beyond.