While the majority of drowning accidents involve young children, medically-frail seniors and handicapped persons are also at high risk of drowning or near-drowning injuries, tragedies that can be prevented by better caregiver supervision and the use of a pool alarm. Water is a great source of therapy for handicapped and older persons because it can restore agility and strength and improve circulation, but backyard pools must have the right pool safety equipment to be truly beneficial.
A large percentage of drowning accidents occur when supervising adults are near the victim, but not paying close attention when he or she falls into the water. Oftentimes the victim slips under the water’s surface silently and isn’t noticed until it’s too late. Seniors who suffer from ailments that can affect their vision, judgment, balance or coordination — like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes or a heart condition — are especially vulnerable when they are near the open water.
New Immersion Pool Alarm for Adults
A new “immersion” pool alarm designed specifically for adults is ideal for protecting elderly and handicapped persons against drowning. “Immersion” pool alarms have a water-activated sensor worn by the user, usually on a wristband. If the user falls into a pool, spa or other fresh water, the sensor immediately signals a nearby base station, which sounds a loud alarm. The alarm continues to sound until it is reset.
Offered by Safety Turtle, the SOS adult immersion pool alarm provides continuous protection to anyone wearing the sensor wristband. (The sensor can also be attached to a lifejacket.) Caregivers and family will hear a loud alarm as soon as their loved one enters the water, even if they don’t hear or see the splash.
Combine with Other Layers of Protection
Many towns and cities have swimming pool safety laws that require homeowners to enclose their pool area with a fence at least four feet high. A self-closing gate with a gate alarm is often recommended or required. These barriers may be enough to keep children or wandering adults out of the pool area, but the addition of a pool alarm that will sound when someone actually falls into the water adds another important layer of protection to prevent accidental drowning.
Protects Boaters and Workers Too
The Safety Turtle SOS adult immersion pool alarm is portable and can be taken anywhere. Boaters can use it as a “man overboard” warning device to protect the captain or crew when crossing fresh water lakes and rivers. It can also be used by businesses to protect workers on bridges or employees who are working around other types of water hazards. Additional wristbands can be added to protect multiple crew members or workers.
Drowning can Happen Anywhere, Anytime
Drowning accidents are common and can happen anywhere and to just about anyone, but most victims are small children and ill or weakened adults who may not be able to lift their head above the water. If you are responsible for the well-being of a medically-frail adult or handicapped person and have a backyard swimming pool, a Safety Turtle SOS adult immersion pool alarm can help protect them from accidental drowning and give you peace-of-mind.
