Recreational Activities (2)

Pool Hygiene and Safety in Swimming Activities

General Safety and Hygiene Guidelines

1. Pool Staff – Be acquainted with the pool staff who monitor the pool. Maintain good relations with them, as they can provide assistance in case of an emergency.
2. Movement Around the Pool – Always walk around the pool area. Wet and slippery surfaces can lead to accidents. Non-swimmers should avoid walking near the edges, especially in deep areas.
3. Pool Depth – Before entering a pool for the first time, familiarize yourself with its layout, as pools vary in shape, design, and depth.
4. Long Nails, Jewelry, and Accessories – Keep nails trimmed and avoid wearing jewelry to prevent injuries to yourself and others. Long nails or rings can cause scratches, and earrings may get caught, leading to injuries.
5. Avoid Eating in the Pool – Food particles can create choking hazards and contaminate the pool.
6. Avoid Eating Before Swimming – Refrain from eating at least two hours before swimming to prevent nausea and stomach cramps.
7. Using Spectacles – Those with poor eyesight should secure glasses with an elastic band. Swimming goggles should be used for swimming but not for diving, as they can cause injury if they slip.
8. Lifesaving Apparatus – Learn how to use lifesaving equipment, as it is essential in emergencies. Follow both safety and hygiene codes strictly to prevent the spread of diseases.
9. Noise Level – Avoid excessive noise, as it can mask genuine cries for help. Lifeguards must be able to hear distress calls.
10. Entering and Leaving the Water – Use designated entry and exit points, such as steps and ladders, with caution, as they can become slippery.
11. Lifeguards – Always swim when lifeguards are present. Never swim alone, as there would be no one to assist in case of an emergency.
12. Pushing – Avoid pushing others into the pool, as it can lead to serious injuries, especially for non-swimmers or if someone hits the poolside or bottom.
13. Costumes – Wear clean swimming attire just before swimming. Avoid wearing swimsuits under your clothes all day, as accumulated sweat can transfer to the pool.
14. Skin Diseases – If you have a contagious skin condition, refrain from swimming, as it may worsen your condition and spread to others.
15. Cuts and Open Wounds – Do not enter the pool if you have an open wound, as water exposure may worsen it and pose a hygiene risk.
16. Athlete’s Foot – A bacterial infection that causes the skin between the toes to become white, itchy, and scaly. Proper drying and hygiene can prevent it.
17. Oil and Makeup – Avoid applying oil or wearing makeup before swimming, as they can contaminate the pool and may cause allergic reactions.
18. Blowing Nose – Blow your nose before entering the pool, especially if you have a cold, to maintain cleanliness.
19. Shower and Footbaths – Always rinse off before entering the pool to remove grime, sweat, and oils. Footbaths help keep the pool area clean.
20. Drying After a Swim – Dry thoroughly after swimming, especially between the toes, under the arms, and between the legs, to prevent bacterial infections and colds.
21. Menstruation – Swimming is safe during menstruation, and normal activities can continue with proper hygiene.

Lifesaving Apparatus

• Ring – Used as a flotation device.
• Life Jackets – Designed to keep you afloat in water.
• Kick Board – Helps improve kicking and swimming skills.
• Arm Bands – Assist children in building confidence and learning to swim.
• Goggles – Ensure clear vision and protect eyes from contaminants.
• Ropes – Used to separate lanes and reduce waves in pools.

Different Swimming Strokes and Styles

1. Strokes/Styles – The movement of arms and legs in specific swimming techniques.
2. Freestyle – Arms move forward and then backward simultaneously.
3. Breaststroke – Arms push out in front and then sweep backward.
4. Butterfly Stroke – Mimics the movement of a butterfly, requiring both arms to move together.
5. Backstroke – Arms move in a backward motion while lying on the back.
6. Diving – Swimming below water level for a period of time.

Drowning and First Aid

Drowning

Drowning is an incident where a person experiences asphyxia due to aspiration of fluids or airway obstruction caused by laryngeal spasms while in water.

First Aid

First aid is the immediate medical care given to an injured or suddenly ill person.

First Aid in a Drowning Accident

1. Call the attention of the pool staff.
2. Seek help from someone who knows how to swim.
3. Remove the patient from the water.
4. Lay the patient on the floor and observe their condition.
5. Check vital signs.
6. Push on the patient’s back to expel excess water.
7. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if necessary.
8. Transport the patient to the nearest hospital for medical attention.