Swimming Pool Safety

Backyard swimming pools while they are a great source of pleasure to people, owners need to promote and support safety at all times in and around their pool.  Keep pool rules and safety tips posted at all times around pool areas.  Teach your child the safety rules and make sure they are followed. Adult supervision is a must when children are poolside.  2000 children under the age of five visit the emergency room each year because of submersion accidents, 300 children under 5 die each year.  Safety is not just for the children.

Teach or take your child to a facility to learn how to swim. Other steps to you can take to help provide the safest environment poolside.

-C P R (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification courses and knowledge of rescue techniques are always an excellent step for pool owners to pursue.
-Keep a telephone with emergency numbers poolside to make calls without having to leave the area.
-Never allow swimming alone.
-Children should not use inflatable toys or mattresses in water above their waist and never without adult supervision.
-Fences and walls provide barriers around your pool area but they are not child proof. Check your local town building codes as to the height required.  Most towns require a fence or walls to be 4' high.  -Fence gates need to be self closing as well as there latches.  The latches should be placed out of reach of children.
-Install door alarms to alert you to unexpected door openings leading out to pool areas.
-Motor powered pool covers give you a high level of safety; they open and close easily.
-When not in use remove ladders and steps secure or lock them away. 
-Have a life ring readily available for use to pull someone out of the pool.
-All rescue equipment should be accessible and placed near the pool, clearly marked and kept in good condition.
-Alert swimmers with a rope or float line to show separation of the shallow and deep ends of the pool.
-Keep pool decks clear of debris and clutter.
-Decks made with non-skid surfaces work best for the areas in and around your pool.
-Keep all chemicals and cleaning supplies in a storage area that can be locked away from children and pets. Read there labels and follow instructions for proper storage.