Swimming Pool Safety Tips
As the weather warms, we start to use our swimming pools and enjoy the recreation they provide. Please make the swimming season a safe one for your family.
Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury, related deaths in the home.
Many drownings occur in backyard swimming pools.
Safety around the pool is critical to avoid an injury or death:
• Swim with a partner or observer, so if you encounter a medical situation someone can call for help.
• Always practice constant touch supervision around the pool.
Touch supervision means that you are close enough to your child, grandchild or great grandchild to reach out and touch him/her. Older children should not be left in charge of younger children, while in or around the pool.
• Teach children that pool fittings, drains and grates are not toys and they should never stick their fingers or toes in them.
• Inflatable toys and rafts can deflate. Non-swimmers should not use them in water over their heads.
Safety Precautions:
• If you own a pool, install four-sided fencing to surround the pool and a self-latching locking gate or a secured pool cover.
• Keep a cordless or cellular telephone close by when you are out by the pool.
• Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards and emphasize the need for constant supervision.
• If your children, grandchildren or great grandchildren visit yours or a friend's pool, be sure they are watched by an adult and know the pool safety rules.
• Insist that anyone who cares for your child, grandchild or great grandchildren knows CPR.
• Learn and practice basic lifesaving techniques, including CPR and first aid.
• In the event of a drowning, get the person out of the pool, Call 9-1-1, and start CPR if the person is not breathing and doesn’t have a pulse.
• Pool safety is your responsibility. Please ensure the swimming season is safe and enjoyable.
For Emergencies Dial 9-1-1
Safety tips shared by The Home Safety Council ®
