Swimming pools are a great source of fun and entertainment for people of all ages, especially for children. However, having a pool in your yard (or any body of water nearby), even when it is off season, can pose safety risks for children and other family members and pets. Fortunately, tragedies are preventable. Below we’ve included some simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of everyone living in or visiting your home.
1. Install a pool fence - While this may seem obvious, a pool fence can help prevent small children and pets from accessing a pool area. A pool should be enclosed by a fence that has a self-closing and self-latching gate with a lock. The fence should be a minimum of 4’ high and have a child safety locking mechanism that is at 54” from the ground. Research and follow local laws for your Town or City.
2. Check your fence - If you already have a pool fence installed, it is a good idea to regularly evaluate your fence and ensure it isn’t in need of any repairs. Even a small amount of damage can create a space large enough that will allow a child to fit through. Checking your pool fence also means verifying the gate latches and locks properly, and double checking that there are no missing pieces or gaps in the fence and checking for holes in mesh fences.
3. Install a pool alarm - A pool alarm will alert you immediately if there is any disturbance in the water. This is a great backup safety measure, in the event a child or animal manages to bypass your pool fence and pool cover. If you decide to install a pool alarm, be sure to regularly test the batteries and make sure it is still working properly.
4. Cover your pool properly - During winter months, you should cover your pool with a winter cover that has been anchored securely to the ground. This greatly reduces the risk of a child slipping under the cover or getting caught in it in the event they try to walk on the cover. The cover that you choose should be able to withstand a substantial amount of weight.
5. Clean your pool cover - You should maintain the pool cover by cleaning it regularly and removing any debris that has accumulated on it to prevent the cover from getting weighed down.
6. Educate your children - The most important thing you can do when it comes to pool safety is educate your children on the importance of staying away from the pool when an adult is not with them.
7. Always make sure you have adult supervision near pools – Adults need to be vigilant and proactive about safety. Designated adults should be 100% focused on safety without any distractions while supervising children. No children should ever go near a pool unaccompanied by an adult.
A combination of the right equipment, education and supervision will significantly improve safety around your pool.
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