Top 5 Tips for Pool Safety

Summer is in full swing, temperatures are rising, and one of the best ways to cool off is by taking a dip in a pool—be it inflatable, above-ground, in-ground. You may also make a trip to the local community center, where the gigantic pool has a diving board, or a foray to a water park, where wave pools, lazy rivers, and sky-high slides reside. Whichever is your water of choice, it is important to be diligent, keeping an eye on your children, no matter their age or swimming ability.

Studies have found that half of all swimming pool drownings among children could be prevented by putting up a fence. According to the Center for Injury Research and Policy, more than 1,000 children die each year from drowning, and many others suffer life-changing injuries. (NOTE: Even with the small backyard wading pools, the water can be a deathtrap. Portable above-ground pools caused the death of over 200 children between 2001-2009.)

It’s important to take precautions to have a safe and happy summer. The Center for Injury Research and Policy recommends the following:

1. Install a fence: In-ground pools and large above-ground pools should be surrounded by a childproof fence. The fence should be at least 4 feet tall, and there should be less than 4 inches of space between the fence and the ground, and between fence slats. The gate on the fence should close and latch automatically and be in the inside of the fence, out of the reach of children.

2. Always watch children in the pool. Adults should be within an arm’s length of infants, toddlers and weak swimmers in the water.And your full attention to the swimmers is an absolute. No reading, no chatting, no phone calls. Never allow children to watch children.

3. Provide swim lessons to your child(ren). Most children are ready by the age of 4 or older. But even good swimmers are not drown-proof. Make sure that you and any caregivers are educated on how to swim and what to do in an emergency.

4. Set rules for the pool: An adult should always be present; no running or horsing around the slippery edge of the pool; no diving except in the deep end (9 feet or deeper).

5. Learn CPR: Parents and caregivers should be versed in CPR in case of an emergency.