Keep chemicals out of reach of children
Set up a safety post with ring buoy, shepherd’s crook and other safety equipment
Gate into pool area should be at least 4 feet high, with self-closing hinges and self-locking latches; it must open away from pool
Toys left in the pool can attract children, so remove play equipment
Pool covers should be automatic and able to support weight of a child; covers must not leave room for children to crawl under and into pool
There are drain covers that prevent entrapment, reducing the risk of drowning
Diving boards are a common source of accidents; many owners have replaced them with safer water slides
Pool fence should be at least 5 feet high; it must be built so that it is not easily climbed
Doors to pool area should be self-closing with child-proof latches; another option is a door alarm that can be set to sound if door opens
Consider giving kids personal flotation devices, like water wings
Floating alarms make a warning sound if motion is detected in pool
Adults should closely supervise the pool area; drowning is a silent killer, since the victim often cannot shout out; keep a phone handy to dial emergency assistance
Making your pool area safer
Sources
TNS graphic: American Heart Association, AP, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, poolsafely.gov
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