Swim time should be fun time. However, having a pool and having young children can prove to be quite the stressful adventure. This does not need to be the case. All that is needed is a healthy attitude towards swim safety.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Supervision
- Have constant visual contact
- Remain within an arm’s reach of any children under five or any non-swimmers
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones, door bells, or neighbors
- Always be ready to respond if needed
Barriers
- Isolate your pool from the house with a four-sided fence, making it difficult to access
- Have self-closing or self-latching gates installed
- Check the fence and gates regularly to make sure they are in good working order
Water Safety Skills
- Become comfortable in a water environment
- Gain confidence in the water through various water activities
- Develop the ‘strokes’ in a free-from-fear environment
Emergency Action Plan
- If a child is missing, always check the pool and other water hazards first. Every second counts!
- Have a phone by your pool for emergency use only
- Learn CPR
Prevention is always the best course of action. Make sure to check the area around your pool to ensure it is safe as well and everything is up to standard. Follow these simple tips: remove tempting items from around the pool that your children might find attractive. Make sure no child would be able to use something to climb over the fence and access the pool. Check the pool fencing, is it up to safety standards? Ensure the gate is high enough and latches properly. Lastly, constantly reinforce with your children they are only allowed to go swimming when an adult is present- it’s a simple rule that saves lives!
Be sure to check your local Building Codes for exact regulations and restrictions before installing a fence around your pool.