Dive Into Pool Safety: Tips To Help Keep Your Family Safe
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As the weather heats up, families will seek refuge in the cool waters of their neighborhood or backyard pools. Although there’s nothing like a quick dip on a hot summer’s day, pool season doesn’t come without potential risks. In fact, approximately 4,200 people go to the emergency room every year due to pool or spa-related injuries. This summer, UL, a leading product safety testing organization, is providing useful tips to help you and your “little minnows” stay safe.
POOL SAFETY AT HOME
- If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach.
- Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.
- Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.
- Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.
BE SAFETY SMART WHILE SWIMMING
- Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool every 10 seconds, and reach the water within 20 seconds.
- Always have rescue devices, such as UL-LISTED life preservers, nearby.
- Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
- Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
- Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.
- Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.
