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Swimming Pool Safety: Layers of Protection for 'Pool Safely'

A Checklist for Playing if Safe and Smart Around Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

By , About.com Guide

While swimming pools provide hours of exercise and enjoyment, accidental drownings in pools, spas and hot tubs are the leading cause of death for children under age 5 and the second-leading cause of death for children 15 and under. Follow these layers of protection mandated in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to make your pool or spa safer.

On May 24, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in conjunction with other advocacy groups, launched a public campaign in an effort to prevent accidental drownings, entrapments and other pool-related accidents. Learn how to "Pool Safely."

 

A Passive Approach Can Be Deadly

Research conducted by the CPSC and other organizations reveals that over-confidence may lead to dangerous complacency among pool and spa users and owners. The "Pool Safely" campaign is guided by the concept that, no matter how many safety measures you set up, you can never be certain which safety step could save a life -- until it actually does.

"Simple steps save lives," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz at the press conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. "The greatest water safety assurance in pools and spas comes from adopting and practicing as many water safety measures as possible."

These include:

  • Staying close
  • Being alert while watching children in and around the pool
  • Learning to swim and practicing water safety skills

 

Fencing: Keep Them Out of Trouble

Photo courtesy of All-Safe Pool Safety Barriers

Barriers are an obvious layer of safety when you have a pool or spa on your property. Section off your swimming pool, spa or hot tub with a fence or enclosure that is a minimum of 4 feet high. Gates should be equipped so that they are self-closing and self-latching. Make sure the latch is out of reach of small children.

Even though an above-ground pool is raised - above ground - doesn't make it inaccessible to even the smallest child. Install a fence with a locking gate; many systems are available for above-ground swimming pools.

Keep it Covered

Get a cover that cannot be penetrated and completely goes over a pool, or spa. This will help prevent access to the pool when there is no adult supervision. Covers should be custom-made to securely fit the size and shape of your pool or spa. During swiim season, it's easy to become somewhat relaxed about keeping the cover on your pool. If this is the case, you must keep your fence and gate latched at all times.

Pool Alarm

There are many types of alarms on the market: for doors, windows, fences, inside the pools or spas, and clip-on types for children to wear. A good alarm will detect unknown entrances to your yard, pool, spa, or hot tub. Research wisely.

Ropes and Float Lines

Photo by Lisa Hallett Taylor
Use these as a marker or separation line to help swimmers know the boundaries of the deep and shallow ends of the pool. The one in this photo has simple water-filled "weights" at each end. If the person supervising the swimmers is someone other than yourself, make sure they're aware of each swimmer's level of ability and who should be staying in the shallow end.

Reach Out and Rescue

Rescue equipment such as life rings, ropes and shepherds' hooks must be hung on a wall or placed near the pool in an easy-to-reach spot. Thorough swimming lessons for children of all ages will include safety and rescue exercises and/or training. Practice and review pool safety rules with your children and their friends.

Emergency Information

Charts, graphs, lists, instructions, phone numbers and other emergency information should be securely placed near the pool or spa in an easily accessible spot. This includes warning signs of certain emergencies and, of course, 911.

Designated Supervisor & a Charged-Up Cellphone

Photo by Lisa Hallett Taylor
Whether it's you, another adult, or a teenager who you can hire to be a "water watcher," someone must be supervising when children are in the pool. If you need to go inside or leave the pool area for awhile, have the kids get out of the pool and eat a snack or dry off in the sun until you return. Always keep a charged-up cellphone nearby to answer phone calls, but try to keep the conversation short and don't let it distract you. The cellphone should also be around in case you need to call for help, rather than leaving the scene to make your call inside.

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