Millions of us enjoy warm weather every year by swimming in our backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs. Tragically though, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. The American Red Cross suggests owners make pool safety their number one priority by following these guidelines:
Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool, and never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
If there are residents of the household that do not know how to swim, enroll them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses provided by the American Red Cross.
Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of ear aches, rashes or more serious diseases.
Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors such as “No diving,” “Stay away from drain covers,” “Swim with a buddy” and “Walk, please.”
Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and by enrolling in water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® have partnered to create an online Home Pool Essentials course that describes steps home pool owners can take to prevent tragedy and keep a well maintained pool or hot tub. The course is available at www.HomePoolEssentials.org.