Every year drowning is one of the major causes of accidents, resulting in serious injury and death in children. Swimming pool accidents can happen very quickly without warning. So learning and practicing the following swimming pool safety precautions is vital.
* Never allow children to swim alone without adult supervision even if children have had swimming lessons. And when children are swimming, be observant and supervise all activities.
* Completely enclose your pool with removable pool safety fences that are at least 4 feet high. Install self-closing and self-latching gates. And be sure to position latches out of the reach of young children.
* Position tables and chairs far away from the pool safety fence to prevent children from climbing into the pool area.
* To avoid having to leave children unattended when receiving a telephone call, keep a telephone in the pool area. And keep emergency numbers near the poolside phone.
* At get-togethers designate someone as the pool watch guard. Adults can rotate this duty.
* Make sure that all children above the age of 4 attend a certified swimming class. If this isn’t possible, instruct them in basic flotation and life saving techniques.
* Start setting pool rules and talking about pool safety when children are very young. Good pool rules include no pushing and no running around the pool. Teach older children the buddy system rule: Don’t go near the water by yourself.
* Do not leave the pool open. And to prevent children from getting to the pool, keep all doors and windows leading to the pool area secure.
* Install an alarm on doors that lead to the pool area.
* Make sure that the cover of the swimming pool is completely lifted over the pool. Never keep the cover partially open because children may become entrapped under it. Also, make sure children do not walk over the pool cover.
* Always have a life saving flotation device handy near the pool.
* Keep rescue equipment by the pool.
* Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
* When not in use, remove steps or ladder to above ground pools.
* Keep electrical appliances away from the pool.
Following all of these safety rules will help minimize the chances of injuries and drowning occurring in your swimming pool.
