Swim Pool Safety with a Shepherd's Hook

All swimming pools come equipped with a shepherd's hook for safety precautions

Safety is the number-one priority if you own a pool. One essential piece of equipment that all pool owners should have is the shepherd's hook, also known as a shepherd's crook.

Definition

A shepherd's hook is a long pole with a curved hook at the end that is used to reach out to a distressed swimmer. The person in trouble can grab onto the hook, or it can be wrapped around his waist. DeAnza College physical education professor Mary Donahue says that the shepherd's hook is a vital piece of equipment for pool safety but must be used correctly to avoid injury.

Technique

A shepherd's hook must be carefully dipped into the pool to prevent injuring the person in trouble. If the person is unconscious, the hook can be placed around her waist or even buttocks. It should never be used to pull a person by the neck.

Tips

Donahue says that the shepherd's hook can be difficult to use at first; the hook itself is very flexible, making it somewhat awkward to handle. It is important to keep a steady grip on the pool and to move the hook slowly, while standing a few steps away from the edge of the pool to prevent being pulled in by the drowning person.

References

• DeAnza College: How to Rescue a Drowning Victim