Maintaining
a Safe Environment Around Your Home Swimming Pool .
·
Secure
your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a
4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub
when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off
if anyone enters the pool.
·
Keep
children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a
responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow
anyone to swim alone. Have young or
inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
·
Ensure
everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in
age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.
·
Keep
your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation
and filtration. Regularly test and
adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more
serious diseases.
·
Establish
and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from
drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
·
Ensure
everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having
appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses
from the Red Cross.