| Swimming pools are a source of so much fun for | | | | safety when children are very young. Good pool |
| the family. But accidents and drownings can occur | | | | rules include no pushing and no running around the |
| quickly with devastating result. That is why it is so | | | | pool. The buddy system rule should be taught to |
| important to follow these swimming pool safety | | | | older children: Don't go near the water by |
| rules. | | | | yourself. |
| * Never allow children to swim alone without adult | | | | * Do not leave the pool open. And to prevent |
| supervision even if children have had swimming | | | | children from getting to the pool, keep all doors |
| lessons. Be sure to supervise all activities when | | | | and windows leading to the pool area secure. |
| children are near the pool. Keep in mind that it | | | | * Install an alarm on doors that lead to the pool |
| only takes a few seconds for a child to fall into a | | | | area. |
| pool. | | | | * Make sure that the cover of the swimming pool |
| * Provide a barrier to the pool by having a | | | | is completely lifted over the pool. Never keep the |
| removable pool fence installed. Make sure that the | | | | cover partially open because children may become |
| pool fence is at least 4 feet high. Install self-closing | | | | entrapped under it. In addition, do not let your |
| and self-latching gates. And be sure to position | | | | children or pets walk over the pool cover. |
| latches out of the reach of young children. | | | | * Always have a life saving flotation device handy |
| * Position tables and chairs far away from the | | | | near the pool. |
| pool safety fence to prevent children from | | | | * Keep rescue equipment by the pool, and make |
| climbing into the pool area. | | | | sure all family members know where this |
| * To avoid having to leave children unattended | | | | equipment is located. |
| when receiving a telephone call, keep a telephone | | | | * Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). |
| in the pool area. And keep emergency numbers | | | | * When not in use, remove steps or ladder to |
| near the poolside phone. | | | | above ground pools. |
| * At get-togethers designate someone as the | | | | * Keep electrical appliances away from the pool. |
| pool watch guard. Adults can rotate this duty. | | | | Following all of these safety rules will help minimize |
| * Make sure that all children above the age of 4 | | | | the chances of injuries and drowning occurring in |
| attend a certified swimming class. If this isn't | | | | your swimming pool. Your pool will be a source of |
| possible, instruct them in basic flotation and life | | | | fun and enjoyment rather than a source of |
| saving techniques. | | | | worry. |
| * Start setting pool rules and talking about pool | | | | |