POOL SAFETY TIPS

Drowning is among the leading causes of death in children under age five*. In addition, an estimated 3,000 children in the same age group are treated after submersion accidents which may result in brain damage*. Appreciating the dangers while enforcing proper water safety practices can greatly reduce these risks.

• Never leave a child unattended in or near a pool.
• Don’t substitute flotation devices, pool toys, or even life jackets for adult supervision, but encourage inexperienced swimmers to wear life vests or jackets in and around the pool.
• Don’t assume a child is safe in the pool after a few swim lessons. Children under 4 are too young to initiate water survival skills in an emergency situation*.
• Install a fence with self-closing, self-latching gates; automatic pool cover; outer door and pool alarm.
• Instruct guests on pool rules; enforce these rules.
• Prevent running, jumping and diving around the pool (except off the diving board).
• Have a first aid kid nearby.
• Make all rescue equipment such as ropes, ring buoys, and reaching poles easily accessible.
• Learn CPR.
• Don’t “drink and dive”. Mixing alcohol and swimming often leads to serious injuries, particularly in teenage males*.
• Store pool chemicals safely and out of reach of children.

*Statistics provided by the National Spa and Pool Institute, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics.