Pool director passes on life saving tips to summer swimmers and boaters
Pine Island Pool Aquatic Specialist Sandy Reynolds reminds swimmers and boaters that water and electricity don’t mix.
“Whether it’s swimming, boating or fishing, summertime is water recreation time for most Floridians and while enjoying water activities, don’t let a safety hazard dampen your summer fun,” Reynolds said. “Electricity is essential energy. It keeps up cool in the summer, lights our house, keeps the refrigerator cold and runs the TV, but it is dangerous. Even a small wire can carry enough electrical energy to be fatal, in fact, less energy than it takes to light a standard bulb can kill an adult.”
Reynolds also reminds that water is a powerful conductor of electricity and that it is particularly important to be award of electrical hazards while participating in water activities. Reynolds passed along this advice to boaters.
“If you plan to go boating or fishing this summer, be aware of electrical hazards while on the water as well as potential electrical hazards,” Reynolds said. “Always check the location of nearby power lines before boating or fishing. Contact between your boat and a power line could be devastating. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet between your boat and any nearby power lines to be safe. If your boat does come into contact with a power line, never jump out of the boat into the water. The water could be energized. Instead, stay in the boat and avoid touching anything metal until help arrives or until your boat is no longer in contact with the line.”
Reynolds also added that when at dockside, boaters should check to see if dockside outlets have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) protection and check power cords that are plugged into them to make sure there is not broken casings or exposed wires.
As for pool safety, Reynolds also advises to be aware of any electrical hazards as well.
“Many preventable deaths occur around pools or hot tubs because people run extension cords to pumps without GFCI protection. Unfortunately, when people come in contact with these ungrounded pumps, directly or indirectly, it can be fatal,” said Reynolds.
The following are guidelines for staying safe in and around swimming pools provided by Reynolds:
— Do not put an electrical appliance within five feet of a swimming pool
— Any electrical outlets within 20 feet of a pool should be equipped with a GFCI.
— Pools and decks should be built at least five feet away from all underground electrical lines and at least 25 feet away from overhead electrical lines.
— As always, never swim during a thunderstorm.
— Use battery operated, rather than electrical, appliances in or near swimming pools or any water.
n If a swimmer is electrocuted or shocked, don’t dive in yourself or you could be electrocuted as well. Turn off the power and then use a shepherd’s hook to pull the victim out of the water.
“I hope this information will keep you and yours safe during this very hot summer,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds also reminds that there are still openings for the next session of swim lessons at the pool. Classes will take place on Saturdays beginning Aug. 28 and those in need of financial assistance, funds are still available through the Bobby Holloway Jr. Fund. These lessons are for non-swimmers only. To register or for more information, call the pool at 283-2220 or stop in at the pool, located on Sesame Lane at Phillips Park.