Proper Supervision is the best precaution you can take.
o Is the person who is supervising able and capable? Are they old enough? Can they swim?
o Do they have a clear line of site to the pool area? When planning a new pool consider the location of sliding boards, furniture, landscaping so they do not block your view to the pool.
o Make sure there are enough lifeguards (parents) to supervise each child in the pool.
o Make sure friends and guests can swim or require them to wear a life jacket
o Avoid distractions like phone calls or take the cordless or cell phone with you to the pool.
o Make sure there is a Sheppard hook or other device nearby to reach into the water
o Learn CPR- Many local organizations offer CPR training each year and it could save a life
Swimming Lessons:
o Sign up every child in your family for swimming lessons as soon as possible. Most public pools offer this each year.
o Know your limitations: Don’t let your child swim too long a distance or into the deep end until they are ready.
Barriers
o Is there a fence around the pool? Make sure it is high enough that small children cannot climb under, though or over it.
o Does it have a self latching and locking gate? Be sure to lock these each night.
o If there is a door from the basement or house to the pool area? Make sure that you have a loud door chime that sounds so that you know when someone enters the pool area.
o Pool Alarms: there are also pool alarms that you can install that sound when someone falls into the pool. They typically are mounted on the pool ladder or the side of the pool.
Equipment
o Make sure that all drain covers, skimmers and suction devices have anti- entrapment style covers on . Inspect these items on a regular basis to make sure all drain covers are securely fastened. Don’t let children play around these areas.
o Dive boards and Sliding boards- make sure that all swimmers, especially guests are instructed on how to use these properly. Make sure they wait their turn.
o Solar Covers- It may seem like a fun game to “swim under the cover” but do not let any one swim in the pool even if the cover is partially on.
o Automatic Pool Covers: These are a great way to close up the pool when not in use
o Safety ropes and depth markings: Make sure these are clearly marked.
o Night Swimming: Make sure you have adequate light and around the pool area.
For more information on pool safety please check out this site www.poolsafely.gov
There is a wealth of knowledge on this site for all types of pools.
Thanks for reading! I hope you have found these items helpful and should you have any further questions about pool safety please feel free to contact me at 814-643-4968, ext. 311 or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Sincerely,
Denny Cisney Jr.
