Safely exiting a pool requires matching the method to the elderly person’s mobility and the immediate situation. Safety planning involves understanding the difference between routine assistance and emergency extraction to minimize the risk of falls or injury. Because mobility varies significantly among older adults, a technique that works for one person may present a hazard for another. Preparing the pool area with non-slip surfaces and clear access is foundational for any safe exit procedure.
Safe Assisted Methods for Routine Exiting
Routine assisted exiting applies when the individual is conscious, cooperative, and possesses sufficient strength to participate in their own removal. Pool steps are safer than vertical ladders, as they allow the person to maintain an upright posture and use their legs for support. When using steps, the person should face forward, maintaining continuous contact with a sturdy handrail or the pool edge to steady their balance.
The assisting caregiver should position themselves on the pool deck near the steps, maintaining a wide, stable stance for leverage. The helper should support the person’s torso, ideally by bracing a hand around the hips or using a gait belt. Avoid pulling on the arms or hands, as this risks joint dislocation or skin tears common in older skin. The motion must be slow and coordinated, with the helper using their leg muscles to lift and stabilize while avoiding strain on their back.
For those with difficulty climbing stairs, the two-person assist technique can distribute the load and increase stability. One person supports the individual from the pool deck, while the second remains in the water, supporting the torso and guiding them up the steps. Both assistants must communicate clearly and move in unison, ensuring the person’s weight is evenly transferred to the deck with minimal sudden movement. Before any exit, confirm the deck area is clear of tripping hazards.
Specialized Equipment for Pool Accessibility
When routine manual assistance is insufficient due to significant mobility limitations, specialized equipment offers a safer and more independent solution. Hydraulic or battery-powered pool lifts are designed to raise and lower an individual into and out of the water while seated. These lifts utilize a mechanical arm and a secure seat or sling, providing a controlled, smooth transition that protects both the user and the caregiver from strain.
Aquatic wheelchairs, often constructed from durable, rust-resistant PVC, are designed to be submerged or rolled directly into the water via a gentle ramp or zero-entry slope. Combined with a sloped pool entrance, these specialized chairs allow a person with profound mobility challenges to access the water without needing to step or climb. If a ramp is absent, a platform lift can accommodate the wheelchair itself.
Permanent, securely installed grab rails positioned along the pool edge and steps provide fixed points of support that are more reliable than portable aids. Regular maintenance checks are necessary for all mechanical aids. This includes verifying the lift’s weight capacity and ensuring the battery or hydraulic system is functioning correctly. This equipment transforms the pool experience into a safe, therapeutic activity.
Emergency Extraction Techniques
Emergency extraction is required when the elderly person is unresponsive, injured, or unable to assist in their own removal, demanding immediate action. The first step is to activate the emergency response system by calling for help. The rescuer’s priority is to initiate airway and breathing management immediately upon removal. If the person is not breathing, rapid extrication takes precedence over spinal immobilization procedures.
If a spinal injury is suspected, such as from a fall or dive, stabilization must be maintained using a jaw-thrust or head-splint technique in the water, minimizing movement of the head and neck. If the person is unresponsive and near the edge, the shallow water drag technique is the fastest way to get them onto the deck for resuscitation. This involves the rescuer approaching from behind, supporting the head, and utilizing the pool’s edge as a fulcrum to slowly pull the victim out.
For a large or heavy individual, a two-person removal is necessary, often involving a rigid backboard slid beneath the person in the water for stabilization. The rescuers position themselves on opposite sides at the pool edge, gripping the person or the board, and coordinate a single, powerful pull to slide the body onto the deck. Chest compressions cannot be performed effectively in the water due to buoyancy and must only be started once the person is on a firm surface.
Immediate Actions Following Removal
Once the elderly person has been successfully removed from the water, the focus shifts immediately to medical assessment and stabilization. If the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally, rescue breaths and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must begin immediately on the deck. Drowning victims require prompt ventilation because the primary issue is a lack of oxygen (hypoxemia).
All wet clothing should be removed promptly, and the person should be covered with dry towels or blankets to manage potential hypothermia, which can quickly complicate recovery. Even if the person appears to recover quickly and is fully alert, transport to a hospital emergency department for observation is necessary. Respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or coughing, can be delayed for several hours after a water incident, requiring immediate professional medical intervention.
A non-fatal drowning event can result in chemical imbalances and fluid buildup in the lungs that are not visible externally, making a thorough medical evaluation imperative. The person’s vital signs, level of consciousness, and skin color should be continuously monitored until emergency medical services arrive. Documentation of the incident, including the time of removal and the initial assessment, should be prepared for the responding team.