Summertime Pool Safety

As it gets warmer, many families are heading towards the pool to cool off and relax.  If you have a pool at your house, it’s important to remember some  tips to keep everyone safe and enjoying their time.

• Safety drain covers should be in compliance – keep children away from drains, pipes, and other openings.
• Pumps should be functioning.
• You may want to consider investing in life-saving equipment like reaching poles or life-rings.
• Keep an eye on children when they are around the water – everyone should be aware of basic water safety tips.
• Have a charged phone ready and available at all times in case of an emergency.
• Make sure you know if there is anyone nearby who does NOT know how to swim.
• Be aware if there is anyone nearby who knows CPR (for both children and adults).  Learn CPR and other water safety/rescue techniques yourself.
• Share safety tips with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Install a fence around the pool at least four feet tall, with a  self-latching gate.
• Installing a pool and gate alarms will help alert you if children have entered the pool area.
• Maintain the pool cover.
• The one I alway got in trouble for – no running around the pool!

Many of these tips also apply to lakes, rivers and streams.

There are many ways to keep pool-goers safe and protected.  Can you think of other good pool safety tips?  Add them in the comments section!