Swimming Pool Safety
Friday, May 4th, 2007Each year, about 280 children under 5 drown in swimming pools. In addition, the suction from drains in
swimming pools and spas, under certain conditions, can entrap swimmers underwater. To help protect
your family, be sure to take the following steps.
Use Layers of Protection
To prevent swimming pool drownings, layers of
protection are essential. Place barriers completely
around the pool, closely supervise young children,
and be prepared in case of emergency.
In addition:
o If a child is missing, always look first in the
pool. Seconds count !
o Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child
drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a
substitute for supervision.
o Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to
the pool.
o Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
o Install physical barriers around the pool to limit
access.
- Fences and walls should be at least
4-feet high and installed completely
around the pool.
- Gates should be self-closing and
self-latching. The latch should be out
of reach of small children.
o If your house forms one side of the barrier for
the pool, doors leading from the house to the
pool should be protected with alarms that
sound when the doors are unexpectedly
opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a
motor-powered barrier placed over the water
area, to prevent access by young children.
o For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to
the pool should be secured or removed when
the pool is not in use.
Pool and Spa Entrapment Danger
Never use a pool or spa with a missing
or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer,
safer drain cover is in place. The new
drain covers are usually domed-shaped
– instead of the old flat drain covers.
o Consider installing a Safety Vacuum
Release System (SVRS) , a device that
will automatically shut off a pump if a
blockage is detected.
o Have a professional regularly inspect
your pool or spa for entrapment or
entanglement hazards.
o Plainly mark the location of the electrical
cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.
o If someone is entrapped against a drain,
cut off the pump immediately. Instead of
trying to pull the person away from the
powerful suction, pry a hand between the
drain and the person’s body to break the
seal.
For more information, please visit CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov, or call the CPSC Hotline at(800) 638-2772.
FROM THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20207
Comments on This Article:
Parts of the country have enclosures arround their pool. It is important that you keep the screen on the enclosure repaired so children cannot get into the pool area easily.
Some counties require that a gated fence also be put around the pool/backyard to keep children and others out of the area.
Another thing you can do, is put the latch on the screen door of the pool area high enough (aprox 5 ft) so small children cannot easily open the door.
After a storm the fence around the pool may be down and/or your enclosure may be partly damaged or blown away. Be sure to put up an orange caution fence to warn others to stay out.
Stay Safe.