Running a successful HOA community is critical. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death among children 1 to 14 years old. Drowning kills more young children aged 1 to 4 years than anything else with the exception of birth defects.”
Pool safety is the responsibility of Tampa HOA management companies; however, we (residents included) must all do our part to protect everyone in our community to mitigate risks and to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Following are some swimming safety tips to adhere to:
Hire a Lifeguard
While not a requirement by law, it may be a good idea to hire a lifeguard during seasons that your pool gets the most traffic. If not a lifeguard, hire a pool monitor. It’s really about what your community prefers, so get a discussion going about your unique community needs.
Post Safety Rules
Adopt safety rules prohibiting certain activities such as running, unsupervised swimming, diving or pushing, and glass bottles or alcoholic beverages. Make sure to post clear signs at and near the pool area. Additional rules include no engaging in rowdy play, no dogs allowed, and no electrical devices on the pool deck. If you don’t have a lifeguard, you must post a sign that says, “No Lifeguard on Duty.” There should also be devices such as life jackets, rescue rings, and poles nearby to pull someone in trouble out of the water.
Other Safety Considerations
It’s important that sick residents stay out of the pool area until they are well. This will ensure other residents will not be exposed to things such as urine, feces, or blood. Residents should also shower before entering the pool to remove dirt and any other residue off of the body.
Keeping the community pool well-maintained and supervised will decrease the likelihood of injuries, the spreading of germs, and drowning. Pools should be inspected regularly to ensure the drain is visible and secured and that the water’s pH and chlorine are correct.
For information about Tampa HOA management, please call us at (813) 968-5665, or submit our proposal request form.