Why Do I Need a Skamper Ramp?

Q. Why do I need a Skamper-Ramp if I have a pool alarm, a fenced pool, or I have trained my dog to the steps?
A. No matter how careful we are, accidents do happen! Fence gates get left open from time to time, or don’t always get securely closed. Many animals – especially “critters” manage [...]

Skamper Ramp Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does it install to a boat or a dock?
A. Because Skamper-Ramp was originally designed for use in swimming pools, dock installation is easy if there is a vertical face to the dock. Simply tie both rope ends to one cleat and make sure the ramp is snug to the dock face.
Boat installation often [...]

Skamper-Ramp Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does it work?
A. Skamper-Ramp is an escape ramp – a means of preventing animals and pets from drowning. It is truly a K.I.S.S. – “keep it simple solution” – to a very major problem: animal drowning. Easy to assemble, lightweight, strong and inexpensive, it is white so all living things can see it.
Because [...]

Protect Your Pets, Part Three

The plastics that are used for all Skamper-Ramps will not yellow, become scummy, grow barnacles, or mildew/algae when left in water (salt water, fresh water, pool water…). Skamper-Ramps always have been, and always will be, made completely from recyclable materials. Skamper-Ramps are lightweight with excellent strength-to-weight ratios, low-cost, and simple. The ramp braces to the [...]

Protect Your Pets, Part Two

The blowmolded Skamper-Ramp (SKR4), new in 2009, was developed in response to consumer requests for a ramp that functions for emergency use as well as for frequent use. This version is stronger, ideal for vinyl lined pools because it is manufactured using a process that makes sure there are no sharp fabricated edges, easier to [...]

Floating Swimwear

The idea for a floating bathing suit was born in the late 1970s, when Don Royer’s mother designed and stitched the first swimsuits with floatation devices inside for her young grandchildren who enjoyed spending summers with her at the neighborhood pool.
Pretty soon, all the children in the neighborhood wanted their own suits and she was [...]

Water Safety for Your School-Age Child

Swimming and playing in water can give your child much pleasure and good exercise. But you must take steps to prevent your child from drowning.

Never let your child swim in any body of water without an adult watching.

Be sure the adult watching your child knows how to swim, get emergency [...]

Pool Safety

The American Red Cross is one of the leading providers of safety training today.  It’s important for pool owners to have the proper safety training and awareness.  The Red Cross website has a wonderful assortment of training and resource opportunities.  Training programs include First Aid as well as CPR.

Using the Diving Board: Hazard, Lost Art or Neat Attraction Part 3

Routine Maintenance:  The diving standard and board should be inspected routinely (at least weekly) as part of a routine maintenance program.  Checks should at least include the diving standard anchors, fulcrum operation, handrails, diving board hinges and if the steps or board have become slippery. All inspections, maintenance and or repairs should be documented.
Supervision:  If [...]

Using the Diving Board: Hazard, Lost Art or Neat Attraction Part 2

First: Proper design: Always start with your local code as a base for design.  Most state codes call for minimum depths, clearances and slopes at various locations and distances at and around the board. But don’t stop there!  There may be discrepancies between the local codes and governing and sanctioning agencies. So which do you [...]