logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • Library
      • Automation
      • Chlorine Generators
      • Drowning Prevention
      • Pumps and Hydraulics
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • Library
      • Automation
      • Chlorine Generators
      • Drowning Prevention
      • Pumps and Hydraulics
Integrating water safety in your service business
News
January 14, 2023
‘PARTNERING WITH THE NDPA’
Integrating water safety in your service business

‘PARTNERING WITH THE NDPA’

By Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D. & Alison Petri, Ed.D. – National Drowning Prevention Alliance Having a Lifesaving Conversation Is Easier Than You Think

As a service professional who visits your customer’s property on a regular basis, you have a special relationship with homeowners. They trust you to enter their property and help care for their backyard oasis.

You may not realize it, but every service professional is in a unique position to save lives. We all know that water safety is important, as drowning remains a leading cause of injury and death for children. However, sharing water safety information and resources can be a daunting task. The good news is there are simple solutions available that can easily help prepare you and your business to champion water safety.

No one ever wants an accident around a pool to take place. Homeowners don’t want to live in fear, but they do need a healthy respect for their pool or spa. Tragic things can happen quickly and quietly. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of the risks and ways to make their pool or spa safer. We often hear the words “I didn’t know…” from parents who have lost a child to a drowning.

Sharing simple water safety information can make an enormous impact. The best scenario is to perform a walk-through together so that you can point out specific safety recommendations. However, if that isn’t possible, leaving behind safety information such as a water safety checklist or a water safety guide can also make an impact.

The first step in preparing to discuss water safety with your customers is to take an hour and familiarize yourself with the basics of water safety. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) recently released a new and simplified approach to “Layers of Protection” with consumers in mind. NDPA’s recommended layers include 5 simple layers that consumers should consider.

• Barriers & Alarms – The use of physical barriers and alarms.

• Supervision – Always having supervision around water that is close, constant, and capable.

• Water Competency – Learning lifesaving skills in the water such as floating and swimming.

• Life Jackets – The use of approved flotation devices in certain situations.

• Emergency Preparedness – Being prepared incase an accident happens.

There are many organizations that have water safety resources and tools available at little to no cost. In 2021, the NDPA launched its “Water Safety Champions” program that is designed to provide tools and resources for pool builders and service professionals that can be easily shared with their customers. The NDPA has sharable social media content, videos, checklists, guides, and other tools available that makes water safety simple for service professionals and consumers. Service professionals can become a Water Safety Champion for free and gain access to new high-quality materials.

We urge you to share this livesaving information with your customers. In virtually every instance, this information will be welcomed and appreciated. Be confident, clear, and empathetic. Conversations like this can create strong and longlasting customer relationships. By showing them how they can protect their families, you become more than just a business to them. You’re a partner providing peace of mind and helping them enjoy their pool or spa to the fullest. That is just good business. And always remember that organizations like the NDPA are there to help!

LATEST NEWS
News
New federal energy bill introduced
‘Energy Choice Act’ seeks to ensure consumer access to energy sources including natural gas
July 14, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell A Republican-led but technically bipartisan bill called the Energy Choice Act has been introduced in Congress, aiming to settle th...
this is a test
Educational
Crystal clear water requires top filtration
July 14, 2025
When it comes to maintaining sparkling clean pool and spa water, filters are the silent workhorses of the system, doing one of the most important jobs...
this is a test
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
News
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
July 14, 2025
An effort to curb Southern California’s smog problem by phasing out gas-powered water heaters and furnaces has stalled with a recently rejected propos...
this is a test
News
New PHTA, ANSI standards available
July 14, 2025
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have approved and newly re-published three industry standards:...
this is a test
News
CA water suppliers to par ticipate in conservation efforts
July 14, 2025
A sweeping new regulation is changing the way water conservation is enforced across California, shifting the burden away from individual households an...
this is a test
News
PHTA accepting Dr. R. Neil Lowry grant nominations
July 14, 2025
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. The winners will be honored at the PHTA Awards Cerem...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK