Swimming Safety Tips for You and Your Family in the Backyard Pool

There is nothing like a quick dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day, but please be mindful of safety precautions, so  that perfect  summer day doesn't turn into a horrible nightmare.

We have compiled a few tips to help you stay safe during the summer. Yes, it's hot, and we all want some relief from the sweltering sun, and  but 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.

AT HOME POOL SAFETY

    If you have a pool at home, install a fence, if you don't already have one. The fence should be at least four feet high, althought five heet is optimum. Make sure there is 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.
    Children are not developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under the age of 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
    Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.
    Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a telephone near the pool.

SWIMMING SAFETY

     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.
    Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
    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.
      Don't swallow pool water. In fact, try to avoid getting any pool water in your mouth
    Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.

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