How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents Around Your Pool
Humans are accident prone when water is involved, it’s a fact of life. Approximately 39,5000 people seek emergency room care for below ground pool injuries every year. However, that doesn’t deter swimminers. It is still the 4th most popular sport and activity in the United States.
Providing a safe pool environment is a top priority- just ask anyone who manages or owns one. Making certain that the pool meets state and local code requirements and ensuring it is not a danger to those using it is critical. While mistakes are bound to happen, we can limit pool hazards that cause slips, trips, and falls by taking a few simple measures.
Preventing Pool Slip and Falls
Pools and their surrounding areas can become wet and pairing that with people not paying attention to their slick surroundings is an accident waiting to happen. As a pool manager or owner, be sure to pay close attention to the spots mentioned below and learn how to best assess and review them to ensure they are as safe as possible.
POOL DECK
Pool deck slips are so common, no one is immune whether young or old. Usually made of concrete, they are also extremely unforgiving when a fall takes place. Several items to assess when reviewing your pool deck for safety include:
- Check horizontal depth markers and make sure they are slip resistant to be in accordance with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
- Non-residential pools need to follow OSHA General Industry Safety Standards 1910.22 which require floors to be clean and dry. That means you need to have someone on staff that is providing regular inspection to ensure the deck is cleaned off.
- Safety signage should be clearly visible to all visitors around the pool deck. Also warning signs around the pool to remind users of the wetness is a good idea- though it might seem like common sense, when people are distracted it is easily forgotten.
- Pool decks need to be slip resistant with a non-slip tread or tape at minimum within 4 feet of the pool per 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Check the product yearly to ensure it is in proper working order.
DIVING BOARDS AND SLIDE PLATFORMS
It is near impossible to keep diving boards and slide platforms dry. In order to help prevent accidents around these areas, the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code states that diving boards must have slip resistant walking equipment. An outdoor, water resistant anti-slip tape is an excellent idea, and consider adding it to any stairs as well. Two handrails on any ladder present is also required.
STEPS & LADDERS
In fact, anywhere steps are present you will want to make sure they are treated with caution. The 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code states several requirements pool owners need to take to comply:
- Steps need to be minimum 3 inches wide.
- Ladders need handrails on both sides.
- Any pool step needs to have a slip resistant surface applied to it. Treads can have a maximum slope of 1/4 inch per foot in order to shed water.
ZERO ENTRY / BEACH ENTRY
Zero entry pools are growing in popularity, but without the right precautions can be extremely dangerous. Many kids see them as a great way to run into the water, making them the perfect environment for a slip and fall.
Make sure you take several precautions with your zero entry pool area. First, it is recommended a soft fall surface is installed. You will also want these entries to be made of slip resistance materials. And while not required, it is highly recommended to put a no-running sign at the entry point to remind visitors of the rules.
UNDERWATER LEDGES
If your pool features an underwater ledge (bench) it is important that they have non-slip tread applied to them. It is a common place for both young and old to want to stand and even jump from. Without slip-resistance this can easily create a spill in the water.
The benches should never be used as an exit or entrance to the pool. Make sure you either add this to your rules signage or consider placing a sign near the bench with this reminder.
BATHROOMS
Often forgotten, but just as dangerous are the bathrooms and shower areas off of the pool. While many people might be tired or working to wrangle a small child, being distracted can easily create a slip and fall. Luckily, there are three easy and inexpensive ways to prevent most of these falls from occurring:
- Apply vinyl non-slip treads that are water-resistant near sinks, toilets and the entry points.
- Apply anti-slip bath mats around all showers.
- Place signs reminding guests of the slippery environment at the door and near the showers.
SHOP NON-SLIP TAPES AND TREADS
Accidents happen at pools, but we can work to limit them with the proper measures in place. If you are looking for water-resistant, heavy duty non-slip adhesives shop the wide variety offered at jessupmfg.com.
