There are few things better than a nice, relaxing swim in a pool. The South Carolina weather can be beyond hot, and a refreshing dip is just what the body and mind needs. But remember, swimming pools require a bit of caution to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time.

The first thing to consider is the state of your pool when you are not at home. Wild animals, your pets, visiting neighbors and friends can all find themselves around your pool area. Make sure you have the proper fence, barrier or signage to alert people of the pool and to prevent accidents.

Obviously, if someone is trespassing their safety is not your concern, but when you are hosting make sure everyone is aware of your pool setting.

The next thing to consider is the area around your pool. Over time, concrete can crack and protrude from the otherwise flush surface. Look for things that could cause people to trip or injure their feet. If you find yourself dealing with a lot of broken glass, for example, then it might be time to prohibit glass containers from being around the pool.

The last summer safety tip is using common sense. Something that you might think is fun at the time, could lead to an unsafe situation. Pushing someone in from the side might be for a laugh, but end up being a big cell phone replacement bill months down the road.