Backyard Safety Part 2 - Swimming Pool Safety

SWIMMING POOLS - Most water related deaths occur in less then four feet of water. But accidents in the pool can be avoided with some basic rules. Prevention is the key. Read these tips on how to make sure your children are safe around the pool.

• Take a swimming class with your children but never let swimming classes replace supervision. Good swimmers drown.

• Make sure someone supervising the children knows basic first aid and CPR.

• Set and enforce strict pool rules such as: no running, no diving, etc. Post a list of rules near the pool area.

• Make sure you have the proper life saving equipment poolside. Keep a pole (shepherd's hook) and ring buoy with rope by the pool at all times. Know how to use each effectively, and make sure to you put the back in the same place each time you use them

• Keep a first aid kit handy.

• Keep a cordless phone or cell phone and a list of important phone numbers nearby in case of emergencies. Also, list the address of the pool
residence, should someone other than the homeowner need to make the emergency phone call.

• Put up barriers that make it hard to access the pool. Use multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning, such as a fence around the pool with a
self-latching, self-closing gate, as well as a pool alarm. Lock the pool when not in use.

• Use life jackets and approved PDF devices. Arm floaties, inflatable rings and pool noodles won't keep your child from drowning.

• And most important, SUPERVISE all swimming. Never let children swim unattended. An adult needs to be present at all times and paying close attention.

• Rafts, inner tubes, water toys, and mats should be kept in boxes that have rounded edges on them.

Part 1 - Is Your Backyard Safe? Part 3 - Lawn Safety