BACKYARD POOL SAFETY TIPS

Backyard pools, while providing hours of entertainment during the hot summer months, can be dangerous. Tragically most drowning and injuries in backyard pools involve children and young adults.

Children who drowned usually gained easy access to the pool or were left unsupervised while young adults are often injured while diving. In fact, one in three diving incidents happens in backyard pools. Spinal injuries occur most often when diving into water less than five feet deep and on the victim’s first dive. In most cases, neither the victim nor the pool owner recognized diving as a risky activity.

To avoid tragic incidents in your backyard pool, remember these simple guidelines from the Red Cross:

- Tell visitors the pool rules.  Teach children not to go near water without you. 
- Always supervise.
- Use personal flotation devices, not toys for support.
- Encourage feet first entries.
- No one should ever dive into an above ground pool.
- Do not wear earplugs; they can add dangerous pressure as you descend.
- Keep safety equipment nearby.  Have a fully charged cordless phone and emergency numbers on hand in addition to a reaching pole and rope.
- Never allow children to swim alone, regardless of their age or ability and never leave children unattended in or around water.

- Don't allow glass around the pool.

- Make sure children take breaks to reapply sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Good fences are just as important as pool rules. Check to make sure your fence meets your municipality’s requirements for height and safety. Remember, preventing access to your pool could save a life.
 
Source:  Canadian Red Cross