Summer is in full swing in Northern Virginia and now that kids are out of school, people are heading to the pools to cool off. We want you to have fun and be safe at the same time when you head to the pool. Please take a couple of minutes to read the information below on how you can “Pool Safely”.
Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives
Swimming pools and spas are great places for families to spend time together and have fun. Yet it’s important to ensure everyone stays safe in and around pools and spas.
To improve pool and spa safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) launched Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives, a national public education campaign to reduce childhood drownings, submersion injuries and entrapments. The campaign is a call-to-action for consumers and industry to adopt proven water safety steps and join a national conversation about pool and spa safety by sharing best practices and other life-saving information.
To pool safely means adopting critical water safety steps to assure that a great afternoon at the pool doesn’t turn into a tragic one. Whether at a residential or public pool or spa, everyone can always take additional steps to be safe while having fun.
Saying Close, Being Alert and Watching Children in and Around the Pool
- Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water.
- Is there a lifeguard at the pool or spa to watch children and adults?
- Teach children basic water safety tips.
- Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments.
- Are there water safety rules posted in a visible area for adults and children to review?
- Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa.
- If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first.
- Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors.
Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills
- Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
- Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly.
- Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency.
Having the Appropriate Equipment
- Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools.
- Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
- If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing pools or spas.
- Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water.
- Ensure any pool or spa use has compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider or pool community manager if you do not know.
- Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm.
For more information, visit the Pool Safely website.
