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Is Your Swimming Pool Safe? The Basics
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated
350 children under five years of age drown in swimming pools, each year,
many in residential pools. The Commission estimates that another 2,600
children under age five are treated in hospital emergency rooms each
year following swimming pool accidents. Some of these result
in permanent brain damage.
Nationally, drowning is a leading cause of death to children under
five.The key to preventing these tragedies is to have layers of
protection.
This includes placing barriers around your pool to prevent access,
using pool alarms, closely supervising your child and being prepared in
case of an emergency.
Tips to prevent drowning:
- Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed
completely around the pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and
self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.
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If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors
leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that
produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened
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A power safety cover: a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area -- can be used when the pool is not in use.
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Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a portable phone is
poolside with emergency numbers posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver.
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For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use.
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If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
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Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms
generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool
covers.
- consumers should use remote alarm receivers so the
alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the
pool area.
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