| As the weather warms up you'll be opening up | | | | If at all possible, a phone should be at poolside for |
| the family swimming pool. Each year, more than | | | | emergencies. If using a cell phone, make sure all |
| 300 children under 5 years old drown in residential | | | | guests know your location and community to |
| swimming pools. Another 2,000 are treated for | | | | properly inform the 911 operator. Keep |
| "submersion injuries". In addition, there are more | | | | emergency numbers handy if your area does not |
| than 850 spinal cord injuries from diving accidents | | | | have 911 service. |
| and more than 300 of those occur at home pools. | | | | There should be at least 9 feet of water if you |
| Follow these safety tips to keep your family and | | | | are diving from the side of the pool and at least |
| guests safe. | | | | 12 feet if diving from a board. According to the |
| Children can drown in less than 2 inches of water. | | | | Red Cross, six feet is the absolute minimum for |
| Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. | | | | diving. |
| During parties, make sure one adult is always | | | | Keep an eye on the weather. Invest in a weather |
| designated to watch the pool. If they need a | | | | radio and keep it on near the pool. Everyone |
| break, make sure another adult takes over for | | | | should be out of the pool if you hear thunder and |
| them. Be sure all neighbors know that children are | | | | should stay out until 30 minutes after the last |
| not allowed in your pool unsupervised. | | | | thunder is heard. |
| Do not use a flotation device as a substitute for | | | | Never use any glass containers around your pool. |
| supervision. | | | | Broken glass at the bottom of a pool can be |
| Remove all toys from in and around the pool | | | | impossible to see. Use plastic glasses, pitchers, and |
| when not in use. Children can be tempted to the | | | | containers and no bottles. |
| water when there are no adults around if toys | | | | Learn CPR |
| are in the pool or on the side. | | | | Check all chemical levels regularly to be certain |
| If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds | | | | that the water is sanitary. |
| count! | | | | Keep all pool chemicals locked away. Always. |
| Never assume a guest can swim. | | | | All guests should follow your pool safety rules. |
| Be sure there are clear instructions to turn off | | | | Lastly, keep plenty of sunscreen on-hand and |
| the filter and release suction from drains. Be sure | | | | encourage all guests to use it regularly. |
| all fittings are in place and children know to stay | | | | By following these few tips, for even the smallest |
| away from all water inlets. Pools with drains should | | | | backyard pool, you and your guests will be able to |
| have a vacuum break installed and regularly | | | | enjoy a fun-filled and safe summer. |
| maintained. | | | | |