The beautiful weather has arrived, which means it’s time to start up the backyard entertainment! The pool is open and playground season is in full swing. Is your backyard safe for kids and visitors?
Diving boards, water slides, trampolines and skate board ramps are great fun, but pose an additional risk not always covered by your homeowner’s policies. Reach out to one of our Client Relations Agents today to check to make sure your backyard fun is covered!
Read these backyard and pool safety tips from Travelers to ensure everyone is staying safe this summer:
Trampolines
- Provide adult supervision at all times.
- Limit the number of jumpers.
- To prevent young children from getting on without supervision, do not leave the ladder against the trampoline.
- Consider enclosures to prevent falls off of trampoline.
- Anchor the trampoline to the ground.
Pools
- Maintain secure fencing and a locked entrance around the pool and deck area to prevent unsupervised access. Audible alarms are an option to alert you of someone entering the area or falls into the pool while it is unattended.
- Never let anyone swim alone. A swimmer who has water life-saving skills should always accompany less experienced swimmers.
- Diving should be prohibited, unless there is a specific area designated for safe diving. Water depth should be clearly marked.
- Always have adequate life-saving equipment in the pool area – life preservers, ropes with life-saving rings, a reaching pole or a rescue hook.
- Keep chemicals stored in the safe area away from the pool.
- Regularly inspect the pool and deck area and repair to avoid potential hazards.
Playsets
- Always supervise kids and make sure kids use playground equipment appropriate for their age.
- Regularly check condition and make repairs when necessary.
- Inspect areas that could cause children to become trapped or caught.
- Make sure the playset is anchored to the ground and is on wood chips or mats to help prevent injuries and cushion falls.
- Don’t let kids play on slides/surfaces that are burning hot. The weather does not have be 100 degrees in order for equipment to heat up and cause burns. If it feels hot to your hand, it may be too hot for a child’s bare skin!
We hope you enjoy your summer! Contact us with any coverage questions at 410.213.5600!
For more info and an entire list of possible hazards with safety tips, check out the full articles on backyard and pool safety here.
