Keefe in Touch - June 2011: Swimming Pool Safety

Greatings

Want to know more?

For more information on pool safety, go to
www.poolsafely.gov

DID YOU KNOW?

Why do we need drain covers?

Drain entrapment is frequently the result of a swimmer's body is held against the drain by the pool's suction or limbs, hair, jewelry or clothing becoming entangled in a faulty or flat drain or grate. The answer is to install anti-entrapment or safety drain covers that are compliant with federal P&SS requirements.

What does VGB-compliant mean?

Seven-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker died in a tragic pool accident. Her death prompted her family to advocate for pool and spa safety and Congress to enact the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Safety Act that establishes safety requirements for public pools & spas. Pool products meeting these standards are VGB-compliant.

What is the most dangerous type of pool or spa?

Children's public wading pools, other pools designed specifically for children, and in-ground spas that have flat drain grates and single main drain systems pose the greatest risk of entrapment.

Why should I have my pool professionally inspected?

Properly maintained pool equipment reduces the risk of drownings, submersion injuries and entrapments. A trained and qualified inspector can work with you to evaluate water quality, safety equipment and the physical conditions of your pool or spa and recommend how to bring these into compliance with safety standards. Contact your state or local health department for the name of a qualified inspector near you.

Quick Links

Mass RMV online

Summer is finally here. And with the close of school, swimming pools are a big attraction for young and old alike. Pools can be a great way to beat the heat and get excellent non-impact exercise to improve health and fitness. But they can be dangerous as well. We hope this pool safety advisory gives you several ideas you can use to keep your family safe this summer. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable summer season!

Some basic questions to consider

Is there a fence around your pool or spa?
Does it have self-closing, self-latching gates?
Do you have door, gate and computerized pool alarms?
Do you have anti-entrapment drain covers?
Are the pool and spa covers in working order?
If you use a public pool, has it been inspected to ensure it complies with federal, state and local laws?
Has someone in your family received training in CPR, first aid and emergency response procedures?
Does everyone in your family know how to swim?
Do you always put away flotation devices and pool toys when not in use?
Have you had your pool inspected by a professional recently?

The answers can save someone's life.

Here's what you can do to improve safety

Pool2

Make sure your fence enclosure is at least 4 feet high with no openings of more than 3 inches.
Be sure the inside latch for the gate is at least 56 inches from the bottom.
Even if you have a self-closing and self-latching gate, install a lock and keep it locked when the pool is not in use.
Even if you have a self-closing and self-latching gate, install a lock and keep it locked when the pool is not in use.
Consider computer operated pool alarms that are set off remotely in your home by ripples in your pool.
Consider personal pool alarms that attach to the arm of a child and are set off in your home by exposure to water.
Learn how to apply child and adult CPR. Your local fire department has information about courses.
Keep a cell or cordless phone in easy reach in the pool area in case of emergencies. In the event of a drowning, seconds count.
Please make it a rule in your family that children never swim alone or when there is no adult to supervise them.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more pool safety and product safety information. Go to:www.poolsafely.gov

Put an umbrella on your pool

Kids Swimming Despite people's best efforts, accidents happen. If you have kids or teenagers and a pool, consider adding umbrella policy coverage to your homeowners coverage. It provides additional coverage over and above your basic policy in the case of lawsuits resulting from accident or irresponsible behavior. Call us for a low cost quote.

An unrelated but important topic: tornado damage

Tornado On June 1st the western and central Massachusetts areas were hit by the first major tornadoes we've seen in decades. In all, 19 communities suffered significant damage. Governor Deval Patrick declared a disaster and sought federal help. For those residents with adequate homeowner insurance coverage, their damage is covered and repairs will be paid for by their insurance companies.

For maximum protection, call us. We'd be glad to review your options and also provide you with a quote for your new house, condo or apartment.

If you have both a car and homeowners or renters insurance, we can save you some money with our account program. Call or email us for coverage details and a quote. Call 508-528-3310 or 888-528-3310.

Archived Newsletters

Yes, We Sell Business Insurance.
From Main Street stores to office complexes to manfacturers, we offer quality, competitively-priced commercial property & liability programs.

THANK YOU FOR REFERRING US TO A FRIEND!
Over 60% of our new customers come from referrals by loyal clients like you. When you refer friends or relatives, ask them to mention your name. We'd like to thank you personally!

Disclaimer: It is understood that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal or other expert advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought. Insurance information is general in nature; for specific coverage provisions, review contractual policy provisions.