As the summer heats up, there is no better time to consider the insurance and safety implications of owning a pool. You will be held responsible if anyone drowns or is injured in your pool even if they did not have your permission to be there, so it is important to have the proper locks, safety equipment and appropriate liability insurance. If you own a pool, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Review Your Insurance Coverage:
   Call us to discuss your liability risk protection. You may consider increasing the minimum on your homeowners' policy and or purchase an umbrella liability policy. If the pool itself is expensive, you need enough protection in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster and don't forget to include any deck furniture around the pool when calculating the value of your belongings.
    
2. Contact your Town or Municipality
   and comply with local safety standards and building and electrical codes. This may include installing a fence of a certain size, locks, decks and pool safety equipment.
    
3. Keep Children and Other Pool Users Safe by taking these precautions:
• Create several layers of protection... set up as many barriers as possible to the pool area in addition to fences required locally.
• Never leave toys or floats in the pool when it is not in use, they can be a deadly temptation for toddlers who might fall into the pool when trying to reach them.
• Check the pool area regularly for glass bottles, toys or other potential hazards. Keep electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.
• Limit alcohol consumption around the pool as it negatively impacts balance, coordination and judgment-- also, its effects are further heightened by sun exposure and heat.
• Clearly post emergency numbers on the nearest phone so that they can be easily located in the event of accident.
   
4. Watch Children In and Around the Pool
   • Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa.
   • Teach children water safety tips.
   • Keep children away from drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments.
   • If a child is missing, look in the pool or spa first.
   • Share safety info with family, friends and neighbors.
      

5. Learn Water Safety Skills 

• Learn how to swim and teach your children how to swim.

• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, update these skills regularly.

• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency.
   

6.  Have Proper Pool or Spa Equipment

   • Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools.
   • Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
   • If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install and use a door or pool alarm.
   • Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
   • Ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal standards, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know.
   • Have lifesaving equipment such as life rings, floats or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.
      

   Download a copy of these tips here

When did you last re-assess your Farm Insurance Coverage? Perhaps it's time! D.F. Dwyer Agency, a Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance partner would like to be a valued resource for your local farm-based business. Give us a call at 401-846-9629 for a complimentary policy review, then subscribe to our new Farm E-Newsletter with specific features and information to help you protect your locally grown business.

Photo: Cotrell Dairy Farm