Safety Tips for Children Around the Pool
Summertime means swimtime! With more children heading to the pool to cool off, the more important it is to implement safe poolside practices and share them with friends and family. According to the CDC, around 1 in 5 people who die from drowning are children aged 14 and younger. In order to avoid an accident, here are a few ways to stay safe:
Never leave children unattended at the pool
It is important to keep an eye on children while they are swimming at all times. Drowning can occur in just a matter of seconds, so always ensure that children are under the appropriate supervision of somebody who can intervene.
Equip children with the ability to stay safe in the pool
Studies have shown that incidents of drowning occur less frequently among children who have had swimming lessons. Don’t rely on fun toys such as water wings or noodles to keep your children safe. If your child can’t swim, fit them with an appropriate personal floatation device (PFD). Children should also learn to stay away from drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid other potential accidents involving entrapments.
Make sure to have proper protections around your pool
Install barriers and pool covers, and ensure all drains in the pool have proper coverings. Consult your pool service provider in order to ensure the quality of your pool or spa covers to make sure they are in good shape and without any defects. Install a five-foot or taller fence around the pool and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools. A simple and effective way to keep track of children is to install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go in or near the water.
Be prepared in case of emergency
It is important for at least one person present to be capable of performing CPR on both adults and children, and this certification should be updated regularly. Additionally, be prepared by having the following items near the pool at all times: a cell phone, a first aid kit, flotation devices, and a pair of scissors.
Never forget that swimming pools pose a serious drowning risk for young children. Whether you own a pool or take your kids swimming, implementing these important safety measures may avoid a tragedy.
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