Safety tips for apartment complex pool parties
Apartment complex pool managers may not interact with large groups of patrons like public facilities, but there are other concerns managers must be aware of. For example, private pools means that patrons can have their own events in the pool area, and summer weather means tenants of the apartment complex will likely want to throw their own aquatic get-togethers.
Management should take all possible steps to ensure that patrons enjoy themselves in a safe and controlled way in and around the apartment complex pool. While some guests may want to take advantage of the rules and engage in dangerous activities, these safety tips will help you keep the peace at your pool’s summer events.
Prohibit alcohol
It’s no secret that higher temperatures make people want to throw a few adult beverages back after work or on the weekends, but water and drinking don’t mix. Even in shallow water, intoxicated swimmers may not be able to support themselves. Also, there’s always the threat of a patron losing his or her balance outside of the pool and falling onto the tile, cement or whatever flooring your pool features.
Clearly detailed signs and postings can communicate the message to patrons that drinking isn’t tolerated at summer pool parties. Also, pool management can hire an alcohol monitor or train lifeguards to spot the signs of intoxication in swimmers – even if no one is drinking at the event, swimming while drunk can still be dangerous.
Limit guests
Private pools have much more leeway in selecting the patrons who can make use of their facilities, but pool management should be even more wary when the summer season means more events. If a tenant in the complex has a birthday party and wants to throw an exclusive going-away event, you should be clear on how many guests will be allowed.
Swimming Pool Safety News explained that too many people in a pool can lead to changes in the chemical balance of the water and raises the risk of injuries from slips and falls. Most apartment complexes need a key or passcode to enter, but pool management should still have some way to differentiate the rightful patrons from people just trying to sneak in.
Block off the right places
No matter how many signs you put up and how diligent you are checking people at the door, odds are that with so many people in the pool, someone will find something they’re not supposed to. Whether a child gets a finger stuck in a drain or somebody fiddles with the wrong pump or dial, the right covers and barriers can keep patrons from going to places they shouldn’t.
Drain covers are essential for any pool that will have children swimming in it, while areas of the facility where patrons may injure themselves on faulty equipment or renovations should be cordoned off with fences. This will keep patrons focused on the part and the pool and less interested in wandering.
Hire a lifeguard
While many private pools operate regularly without a lifeguard, you might want to consider hiring one for the summer. The larger crowds of parties mean that even if you prepare for every outcome, people may still find ways to injure themselves. In these cases, a certified lifeguard can come up with solutions and treat people on the spot. Additionally, lifeguards can monitor every aspect of the party and intervene if guests are becoming too loud, rowdy or disrespectful.
It may seem like ensuring safety during pool parties in the summer runs against the spirit of fun, but patrons will appreciate the efforts you take to keep them safe.
