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Step 1
Remember these basic tips:
• Constantly supervise children in and near the pool.
• Learn first aid and CPR.
• Keep a cordless phone or cell phone poolside if possible.
• Keep track of how long children spend in the pool. They may not realize that they’re becoming fatigued.
• Discourage running and roughhousing.
• Make sure everyone knows that safety come first at the pool.
• Teach children that they should never use the pool unless an adult is watching. -
Step 2
Use barriers to prevent kids, especially toddlers, from adventuring too near the water. A backyard fence may not be enough – place a separate barrier around the pool itself. Look for a freestanding barrier, with a self-closing, self-locking gate. Avoid link fences, which can be easily climbed by children.
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Step 3
Take special care if your pool is located near your home's doors or windows.
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Step 4
Keep poolside clean. Keep the area around the pool clean and clutter-free. Don’t let kids play with non-pool toys, especially wheeled toys, around the edge. Be sure to take pool toys out of the water when the pool is not in use, as they can be an enticement to get into the water.
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Step 5
Take swimming lessons. Even if you have a small pool, you and your kids can benefit from swimming lessons. Not only will it help you stay safe, but lessons can build kids’ confidence around the water, and provide healthy exercise. But remember: never leave kids alone poolside, even if they know how to swim.
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Step 6
You may want to invest in pool alarms or motion detectors, and a pool cover. These are useful, but are not substitutes for fencing and barriers.
