Cleveland, summertime is here! It’s a great time and a great place to cheer on your team at Progressive Field, relax at an outdoor Blossom Music Center concert, or grab your picnic gear and head for the Metroparks.

When the mercury dials up, and the humidity hangs, sometimes cool water is the best place to be. While common-sense precautions should be exercised by everyone in or near any body of water, those who own and/or manage a private pool in an apartment complex face additional risk. Help ensure you and your pool users have a safe and enjoyable summertime in the “C” by following these guidelines:

– Fence off the pool area completely to control access. Allow one entrance/exit gate that is locked when the pool is closed.

– Post clear signage limiting access to residents, and authorized guests only when accompanied by adult residents. Require minors under the age of 12 to always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult caretaker.

– Distribute an updated pool manual annually to all adult residents containing information on pool hours, rules, and safety measures to be followed by all in the pool area. An additional consideration is to obtain a signed waiver indicating users agree to follow all rules and assume all risks from use. (Note: Parent or guardian signatures required on behalf of all minors.)

– Monitor and document usage. Require all residents and guests to sign a daily log upon arrival and departure at the gate.

– Ensure a fully certified lifeguard equipped with appropriate lifesaving gear is always on duty during open pool hours.

– Remove slides and diving boards if present. They pose a significant risk in smaller, private pools.

– Do not allow diving in shallow water. Paint “NO DIVING” in permanent, bold lettering along pool areas that are not at least 7 feet deep. A safer alternative is to not allow diving anywhere and paint “NO DIVING” around the entire perimeter of the pool.
– Post clear signs at the entrance stating no food or drink (other than water in a non-breakable container) is allowed on pool grounds.

– Post at least two clearly readable “NO RUNNING ALLOWED” signs inside the gated pool area.

– Depending on the size and capacity of the pool, limit the use of inflatables. Require all objects in the pool area to be limited to soft-contact items, i.e. no tennis balls or hard objects.

– Strictly enforce evacuation of and pool closing to all persons when thunder is heard or lightning strikes. Advise everyone to seek shelter inside a safe structure.

At The Richey-Barrett Co, we wish our entire city a safe and enjoyable SUMMERTIME IN THE “C”. Contact your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent to learn how to protect your assets this summer!