Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages 1 to 14 years. Here are things you can do to make your pool and spa area safe.
Install a Complete Gated Enclosure Around Your Pool
Install a four-foot or taller fence around all sides of your pool and spa, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Also, install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
The most overlooked pool safety hazard is leaving a pool gate unlocked. To prevent accidental drowning, keep all entries to the pool locked, and if possible install an alarm system that goes off when the surface of the water is broken. An alarm system can mean the difference between a water rescue and a potential tragedy.
Check To Be Sure That Your Pool and Spa Drain Covers Are Safety Compliant
To assure that your pool or spa has a drain cover or another anti-entrapment device that complies with ASME/ASNI A112.19.8-2007, ask your pool service provider.
Keep a Pool Safety Kit Nearby for Emergencies
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that you create a pool safety toolkit, and keep it near your pool or spa to ensure that if the worst happens, you are ready to respond.
Here is what should be in your pool safety toolkit:
- Life jackets
- Life preservers
- Lifeguard ropes to haul in struggling swimmers
- A first aid kit
- A pair of scissors to cut hair, clothing or pool cover
- A charged portable telephone to call 911
Drowning is a preventable cause of death and injury for children. By adding these water safety steps to your current safety practices you can make your pool and spa area a safe place for family fun.
