Pools

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.


Installing:

  • Ensure any drains are the type which will prevent a swimmer from being trapped against the drain by powerful suction

  • Erect a fence which:

    • Is at least 6 feet high
    • Is smooth on the outside to help prevent children from climbing over it
    • Is solid so children can’t see the pool and become tempted to climb over the fence
    • Has a gate at least 6 feet high with a latch which is lockable and/or is operated from the inside
    • Won’t allow children to climb under it
    • Separates the pool from the residence
  • Install a pool cover sturdy and secure enough to support the weight of children and keep children from removing part of it to get in the water

If you use a pool cover to conserve heat:

  • Ensure small children can’t get onto it and drown in water (e.g., rain water) which could collect in the center of the cover small children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water

  • Put depth signs around the pool

  • Put up ‚“No trespassing” signs

  • Post emergency phone numbers near the pool

  • Keep pool chemicals and equipment away from the pool and locked up

  • Be aware that small children are fascinated by water

  • Ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers liability for the pool

Using:

Before:

A child can lose consciousness within approx. 2 minutes in water and drown within approx. 6 minutes

  • Ensure the pool or spa has a drain cover which won’t allow a swimmer to be trapped against a drain by the powerful suction
  • Ensure continuous adequate adult supervision is present
  • Ensure there are at least two drains – if there is just one drain and it is broken, a person could become trapped on the drain due to suction (some people have had part of their intestines sucked out)
  • Ensure there is a shutoff switch nearby in the event someone gets caught in a drain or filter
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Supervise children constantly, even if they are good swimmers horseplay, inexperience, etc. can causing drowning situations
  • Ensure there is a phone nearby to call for emergency help if someone needs medical attention
  • Keep glass containers away from the pool


EXPLORE: At Home

Thanks for reading!