Pool safety can be a big stressor for every family. How can you prevent your children from falling into the pool? When are your children ready for swimming lessons? Are floaties dangerous or can they help save a child’s life? To address these questions and more, Cesi Pagano & Associates compiled a list of the best ways to help keep your family safe this summer.
KEEPING YOUR EYES ON YOUR CHILDREN
The best and most important part of pool safety for kids is to keep your eyes on them. Keep yourself distraction-free when you’re at the pool. This means keep your phone, tablet, and book in your bag when your kids are playing in or around the pool. If your child is under 4 years old, always keep them within arms reach when they’re in the pool.
LOCKING UP YOUR POOL
If you aren’t home or aren’t available to monitor your pool, the best thing you can do is lock it up. A pool barrier will delay the time it takes a child to get into your pool and may help prevent drowning. The general standard is that fences must be a minimum of 4 feet high (5 feet is ideal) but check with your local zoning or building authority for the specific laws in your area. Whether you end up locking up access to the backyard itself or installing a fence around the pool, you should never leave your pool unattended.
INSTALL MONITORING SYSTEMS AROUND POOL
Monitoring systems don’t prevent children from falling into the pool, but they do help with triggering a fast response. Cameras and motion sensors allow you to make sure nobody enters your pool without your knowledge. For example, you can get a pool alarm that can be placed inside the pool and detect wave activity—up to 15 pounds of water displacement—and will emit a loud sound if motion is detected.
KEEP RESCUE EQUIPMENT NEARBY
Keeping water rescue equipment around a pool is a must. If someone does start struggling in the water, its always handy to have a life hook, rescue tube, safety ring, safety line, and a first aid kit within reach.
USE AND STORE ALL POOL CHEMICALS WITH CAUTION
When you’re putting chemicals in the water, be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles. Label each bottle with the date you purchased it, and toss out chemicals older than a year old. All pool chemicals need to be stored out of reach in a secure, well-ventilated area, and away from AC or heating units. Paint, gasoline, and other chemicals also need to be stored separately.
ALWAYS PRACTICE WATER SAFETY
Water safety can include (but not limited to) swimming skills, water smarts, and helping others. Remember, water activities can be safer… and just as much fun! Check out tips from the American Red Cross here.
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