Swimming Pool Safety Policies

Always keep an eye on children who enter a swimming pool.

More than 300 children die per year due to swimming pool related accidents. While communities have created regulations to increase pool safety, pool owners should be the last line of defense. Swimming pools should be enjoyed, not feared, and implementing all safety precautions can achieve this goal.

Pool Enclosures

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, all swimming pools should be protected by an enclosure that is at least 4 feet in height. The enclosure can be either a fence or a wall. The minimum required height of the pool enclosure depends on the guidelines of the municipality.

Above Ground

All above ground swimming pools should be equipped with steps and ladders that are securely locked in place. When the pool is not in use, the steps and ladder should be removed. This will prevent children from entering the pool unnoticed.

Children First

Keeping children safe in and around the pool should be a main priority. Having a pool alarm can accomplish this. Pool alarms should emit a loud audible noise as soon as a child enters the water. Flotation devices should always be used by younger children, regardless if they've learned to swim or not.

References

• Consumer Affairs: Swimming Pool Safety Guidelines
• New York State Department of State: Pool Alarms
• Live and Learn: Swimming Pool Safety

Resources

• Pool Safely