The top pool safety tool is for families to supervise pool use and establish firm rules. Never leave children unsupervised in or near the pool - A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone or run to get the sunscreen. Remember to ensure that babysitters understand the pool rules and the need for constant supervision. Don’t use flotation devices or life preservers as a substitution for constant supervision.
Children should be taught water safety and swimming skills as early as possible, but this is also not a substitution for supervision.
When it comes to your home and property, there are a number of tools and safety barriers families can use to help keep children safe. Doors that open to the pool area can be equipped with alarms, automatic sliding glass door closers and safety latches installed out of children’s reach so that a child cannot open the door unassisted.
Local pool safety codes vary, and some require permanent, galvanized steel pool fencing. Gates on your pool fencing should close and latch automatically, and should never be left propped open. Patio furniture or other large objects should be far enough away from the fencing so that children cannot climb over the fence and gain access to the pool area.
For those who don’t have children in the house on a regular basis, removable mesh pool fencing is an option. Mesh fencing’s transparent look allows a clear view of the pool area at all times. When not needed, the fencing can be rolled up and stored out of sight. Pool nets are another safety feature that can be used in this situation or as an additional barrier within permanent pool fencing. These nets are held securely in place over the surface of the pool with pulleys and clips, and are easily removed.
Please take the time to review pool safety, establish clear rules and upgrade your pool safety equipment this year. Here’s to a safe and enjoyable pool season!
