Pool Safety: A Sweet Summery Recap

The heat is here. How will you cool down? If you are a pool owner – like some of us here at E.C. Cooper – pool safety rules are nothing new to you. But! There’s no harm in sharing the safety tips again. Here you go!

As you read these, knowing you have heard them all before, keep in mind …

1. According to the American Red Cross, ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and, on average, two of them are children.
2. According to the American Red Cross, drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages one to four than any other cause except birth defects.
3. According to the National Autism Association, drowning is a leading cause of death for children and adults with autism.

Now on to the safety tips!

If a child is missing, check the water first.

Make sure no one swims alone. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area.

Maintain secure fencing and a locked entrance around the pool and deck area to prevent access when adequate supervision is not available. Install self-closing and self-latching gates in the proper locations. But, remember, safety does not end with a safety gate. “Don’t assume that a safety gate means you are safe!” said Nancy Fraboni, E.C. Cooper agent. Keep reading.

Completely surround your pool with four-sided isolation fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child. A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child’s risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.

For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult.

Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment.

Equip your door, gate or pool with an audible alarm that alerts if someone enters the pool area or falls into the pool while it is unattended.

Prohibit diving unless a specific area of the pool is designated for safe diving. Water depth and diving-restricted areas should be clearly marked.

Make sure there is adequate life-saving equipment in the pool area, including life preservers and a rope with life-saving rings, a reaching pole or rescue hook.

Swim sober.

Also supervise sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.

Have a wonderful, safe summer, Friends.