It's that time of year again where the sidewalks sizzle and the glittery waters of your neighborhood (or backyard) pool looks like Mecca. It's also the time of year where over 250 children under 5 years old drown in those same alluring waters. Let's take a minute to review some basic pool safety and the best thing homeowners can do to protect their families and their homes.
Attention, Please!
Never leave a child unattended in or near the pool. This is common sense but a very common contributor - it only takes a minute and kids move fast! Teaching your child to swim is a great idea but is not a substitute for constant supervision and is no guarantee of safety in the water.
Fencing
Fence the entire pool/spa area at least 5' high with self-latching, self-locking gates. Many buyers will not even consider a home without this basic safety feature, so it is an smart investment in both safety and resale value.
Cover Up
Pool covers are dangerous and will wrap around a child who falls onto them, making it difficult to impossible to reach the surface again. Make sure to use a ASTM approved safety cover and remove the cover completely prior to using the pool.
Toys!
Don't use air-filled toys and 'floaties' as a substitute for approved life vests and safety gear. Remove toys from the pool after swimming to avoid temptation for young ones. Just look at how appealling the intertube looks in the image above - I'd be jumping in!
Remember, as a homeowner it is your responsiblity to provide a safe environment and you are responsible for everyone on your property (even if you don't know they are there). Plan ahead and protect yourself, your neighbors and your home from emotional and financial disaster.
Statistics courtesy of http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/chdrown.html
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