Swimming Pool Safety

During the warmer summer months, swimming pools are the “go to” for cooling off. And that’s terrific. It is also important to remember that they can also be dangerous. In fact, nationwide, 350 children under age five die and 2,000 more children under age five visit emergency rooms for submersion injuries every year.

Here are some tips on pool safety that will help to prevent injuries and possible death where swimming pools are concerned:

• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
• Keep rescue equipment and a telephone by the pool.
• Anyone watching young children around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child if needed. Stay within an arm’s length of the children.
• Remove all toys from pool after use.
• Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
• Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.
• Secure and lock ladders or steps leading to the pool. Or remove when the pool is not in use.
• Install a fence or barrier at least four feet high around the pool, with a self-closing and self-latching gate.