Swimming Pool Safety Rules

by Patch Staff

With summer in full swing now, many of us will be spending a lot of time outside in parks, or out at the beach, backyard barbecues and of course, laps in a pool.

Sadly, almost 400 kids drown in pools and spas each year, while more than 5,000 others are treated for pool-related injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

More than 70 percent of all pool injuries happen in backyard pools — in-ground, above-ground and portable ones.

Amica Insurance, the American Red Cross and the CPSC offer these safety tips:

• Make sure pools are fenced with self-closing gates and that pool areas and ladders are secure.
• Even wading pools pose a drowning risk for toddlers and young children. Be sure to make sure to empty them when not in use
• Don’t let anyone swim unsupervised in a pool.
• Fence pools with a four-foot or taller fence with self-closing and self-latching gates. Keep pool gates are closed and locked, especially when not in use.
• Install pool and gate alarms.
• Keep life jackets and flotation devices on hand.
• Assign a “water watcher” to keep an eye on anyone swimming in the pool.
• Keep emergency equipment, such as life preservers, a first aid kit and a mobile phone, nearby.
• When the pool is not in use, remove all pool toys.

For more safey tips, go to the CPSC website. You also may find more safety tips at the American Red Cross.