Swimming pools can be a source of great fun and excitement for children of all ages, but they can also be dangerous places. Here, we examine some pool safety tips that will help you keep your children safe. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pool is a place of fun and not a place where children are likely to be hurt.
One tip that is absolutely essential is to never allow children near swimming pools unattended. Drowning can happen in the blink of an eye, and even a child who has had swimming lessons and knows how to swim can accidentally drown following a swimming mishap or poolside slip. Installing a fence that keeps the home and pool separate, and that uses a latch out of reach to your child, can help prevent a large percentage of child-related accidents.
A great rule of thumb for children under the age of five, and even for older children who do not know how to swim, is to ensure that they are always within arm’s reach whenever they are in or near the swimming pool. Always keep a rescue hook or a life preserver nearby in case of emergency, and ensure that there are life vests available for younger children.
Keep all land and water toys out of the pool when not in use so that children do not fall into the water trying to reach them, and ensure that you secure the gate to the pool after swimming to keep children from getting in without your knowledge. Use a lock and key and always hide the key, as most kids are extremely ingenious and will quickly find a way to lift a high-up latch or defeat a sliding lock.
Pool safety is absolutely crucial, but by following these tips it can also be easy to accomplish.
Find local listings of businesses and services near you. Get driving directions, reviews and ratings, phone numbers, addresses and more on Local.com.
