Swimming in your custom in-ground pool, like all recreational activities, comes with a risk of injury or other medical emergencies. While following swimming pool safety rules can help minimize this risk, you should nevertheless be prepared to deal with any issues that arise. Having the right first aid and safety supplies poolside can allow you to quickly respond to an emergency.
Poolside First Aid and Safety Supplies
Whenever your pool is in use, the following items should be close at hand:
Non-latex gloves. Wearing gloves when tending to injuries protects both you and the injured person.
Antibacterial solution/wipes. Even water from a well-maintained pool contains bacteria. Cuts and abrasions should be cleaned with tap water and soap if possible and then have an antibacterial agent applied.
Topical pain reliever. Scrapes and minor cuts can be treated with a topical pain reliever to reduce the discomfort.
Bandages. Once a wound is cleaned, it should be bandaged to prevent further injury to the site.
Gauze. For more significant wounds, a gauze pad may be needed in addition to a bandage.
Adhesive tape. Tape can be used to hold gauze or bandages in place.
Tweezers. If a wound site has embedded debris, tweezers are a more bacteria-free option than fingers for removing it.
Blunt-nosed scissors. Scissors can come in handy if clothing must be cut to access a wound site.
Cold pack. For strains/sprains and contusions, a cold pack can help control swelling.
Like all products, first aid supplies have an inherent “shelf life” which can also be affected by how often they are moved or handled. Be sure to inspect your first aid supplies periodically to see if they need to be replaced.
Lifesaving Items
In addition to first aid supplies, you should always have lifesaving equipment near the pool. This may include:
_ Lifesaving ring
_ Rope float
_ Pool safety hook
These items are, of course, for use in emergencies only, and should never be used as toys. And while hopefully you’ll never have to use them, you should be sure that you, your family, and guests understand their purpose.
When in Doubt
Having adequate first aid supplies on hand to deal with minor injuries is a good idea. However, even the most well-stocked first aid kit is no substitute for prompt medical attention in the case of more serious medical issues. When in doubt, always have an injury examined by a medical professional.
Editor’s note: Originally posted 5/2016. Updated for relevance.
Disclaimer: While Latham Pools has over six decades of experience in the pool industry, we are not safety or legal experts and this blog is not intended as professional legal advice. The opinions and specifications are not Latham’s, but from pool safety websites and authorities. Please be sure to check your local laws and when in doubt, adhere to the most restrictive laws for your area.
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