A swimming pool is the perfect way to beat the heat during the hot Florida summers. It’s important, however, to take some simple precautions in order to ensure that you’re using your pool safely—and that your pool itself is a safe environment. Whether you’re entertaining an entire group of people or simply enjoying a swim with your family, keep these essential safety tips in mind when you’re using your pool at your Miami home:

Always swim in groups

Never swim unaccompanied, even if you’re an experienced swimmer. Children should always be supervised when they’re near the water, and younger children should stay within arm’s reach of an adult at all times. Make sure that at least one person in your group knows CPR in the event of an emergency.

Have pool rules posted

Even swimming pools in private residences should have some rules for use that everybody is required to follow. Essential rules for preventing accidents include no running in the pool area, no unsupervised swimming, no diving in shallow pools, and no use of electrical devices near the water.

Keep your pool secured

The best way to make your pool a safe area is to keep it secure when it’s not in use. Your pool should be covered with a safety cover between swims, and the area should be protected with barriers that are at least four feet high. This will prevent pets and children from getting into your pool area when nobody else is around.

Make sure the area around your pool isn’t slippery

If the area immediately surrounding your pool becomes slick and slippery when it gets wet, it can easily become the cause of accidents. You can reduce the likelihood of accidents by installing slip-resistant pool pavers around your pool. After all, the safer you make your pool area, the more fun it will be for you and your guests to use.