Shea Homes Water Safety

Like it or not, Arizona’s sizzling summer heat has arrived. The kids are on summer break and there is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the swimming pool. At Shea Homes, we’re passionate about caring for our customers, which is why we want to share a couple of important water safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated average of 5,400 children younger than 15 were treated between 2012 and 2014 in emergency rooms for pool or spa related submersion injuries. An estimated 77 percent of the injured were younger than five. Needless to say, proper water safety is essential, especially during the summer months here in Arizona.

Here are some safety tips offered by the Red Cross:

Prevent Unsupervised Access to the Water

Install barriers surrounding the entire pool that are at least four feet high with a self-closing gate or latch.  Make sure the gate is not surrounded by structures that could provide access to the pool, such as climbable furniture or objects.

Maintain Constant Supervision

When there are kids in the water they should always have your full and undivided attention. If ever an infant is in the water, you must be within arm’s reach. There are instances when multiple adults are present and if this is the case, there should always be one designated individual in charge of keeping an eye on the kids around the water. Safe Kids refers to this as the Water Watcher card strategy.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

This can be a distressing time, but acting quickly and being prepared can make all the difference. If you notice your child is missing, immediately check the water. Make sure the pool is equipped with appropriate equipment, such as a first aid kit or a life-jacket and enroll in courses to prepare you for emergency situations. The Red Cross recommends water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses. Keep a phone nearby in case the need to call 9-1-1 arises.

Here are some rules that American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends for home pools:

– No swimming without an adult – Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use – Empty blow-up pools after each use – No tricycles or other riding toys at poolside – No electrical appliances near the pool – No diving in a pool that is not deep enough – No running on the pool deck

At Shea Homes, we are committed to keeping our families informed and safe. Keep your family protected and happy during the long summer days ahead!

For more information about Shea Homes’ communities across the Valley, visit our website or you can call us toll free: 1-866-696-7432.  To watch our informational videos, please visit our YouTube channel.  For more information on Shea Homes and what we’re up to in Arizona, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and join us for some inspiration on Pinterest.