HOME POOL & HOT TUB SAFETY
TO MAKE THEM SAFE
Secure Your Pool When Not in Use
- Completely surround your pool with four-sided isolation fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child.
- A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child's risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.
- For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult.
- Install a secondary barrier, such as:
Door alarms and locks that are out of the reach of a child on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa area
Lockable covers
For further details, consult the pool barrier guidelines issued by The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors
- Do not enter head first unless in a pool that has a safe diving area.
- Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Only swim when supervised by a water watcher.
- Swim sober.
- Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
Take These Water Safety Steps
- Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
- Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
- Know what to do in a water emergency - including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
- Completely surround your pool with four-sided isolation fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child.
- A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child's risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.
- For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult.
- Install a secondary barrier, such as:
Door alarms and locks that are out of the reach of a child on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa area
Lockable covers
For further details, consult the pool barrier guidelines issued by The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors
- Do not enter head first unless in a pool that has a safe diving area.
- Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Only swim when supervised by a water watcher.
- Swim sober.
- Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
Take These Water Safety Steps
- Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
- Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
- Know what to do in a water emergency - including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
PROTECTION
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF to protect children from UV rays. Reapply sunscreen every
two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Encourage regular hydration breaks, especially on hot days, to prevent dehydration and overheating.
Encourage regular hydration breaks, especially on hot days, to prevent dehydration and overheating.
PROTECTION
Always have a designated adult closely monitoring children in or near the pool. This person should not be distracted by
other activities, such as reading or using a smartphone.
Early swimming lessons are vital for teaching children how to be safe in and around water. These should focus on water entry and exit strategies, staying afloat, and basic stroke techniques. Remember that even proficient swimmers should not be left unsupervised
Early swimming lessons are vital for teaching children how to be safe in and around water. These should focus on water entry and exit strategies, staying afloat, and basic stroke techniques. Remember that even proficient swimmers should not be left unsupervised