Pools are a great asset to any home or community, however, rules must be set and enforced, manuals must be read and re-read, and knowledge of proper water safety is key to avoiding preventable accidents. Every parent should teach his or her child(ren) to swim at an early age.
• Set pool rules and stick by them.
• Never dive in an above ground pool or shallow water.
Nine out of ten diving injuries occur in six feet of water or less.
• Post depth markers to accurately identify the pool depth.
• Keep these basic safety items by the pool at all times:
1. Shepherd’s crook or long-handled hook
2. Life ring preserver-coast guard approved
3. First aid kit including written instructions on how to administer CPR
• Never leave children unattended or even out of eye contact in your swimming pool.
• Make sure pool is inaccessible to children when unsupervised or you are away from home.
• Don't leave toys around the pool or in the water. They could encourage an unsupervised child to enter the pool area.
• Make sure you are aware of local requirements concerning fencing around pools.
• It is a good idea for all family members to become familiar with CPR
• In case of emergency, call 911 immediately. It is a good idea to have a phone available in the pool vicinity.
• Be aware and prepared for unsafe weather conditions. All swimmers should leave the water immediately as soon as you see or hear a storm to prevent possible electrical shock.
• Keep all chemicals sealed and out of children’s reach. Always follow all directions on label.
• Never mix chemicals together.
• Always add chemicals to water, never the reverse.
• After handling chemicals, clean hands thoroughly.
• Never put a quick dissolving chlorine tablet or granular chlorine into an automatic chlorinator or floating dispenser.
• Pool alarms are recommended for families with small children or pets.
• Many serious pool accidents involve alcohol. Remember alcohol and pools don’t mix!
• Glass and sharp objects should not be used on or around the deck of the pool.
• All electrical equipment (including power supply cords) used with or around the swimming pool should be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI) at the power source. Your licensed electrical contractor always supplies this circuit. Serious injury and even death can result from improper electrical hook-up.
