Child pool safety is about having multiple layers of protection to help prevent drowning in a pool.
Most little ones love to play in water. It's sparkly, things float in it, and it's fun to splash. However water can be deadly, and it's quick to strike. So it is important to ALWAYS institute multiple layers of swimming pool safety to prevent a drowning.
Stick to your little one like bees to honey! With toddlers under the age of 5, it is best to be at arm’s length of your child at all times when in the pool.
NEVER leave your little one alone in or around a pool. This means do not go inside for any reason. Don’t go inside to get something you forgot, or go to answer the phone. If you need to get something, then take your little one with you. And make sure all kiddies are accounted for.
If you cannot find your little one, check the pool first. Seconds count in a drowning. It can make the difference between life and death!
Do not leave objects in the pool that could attract a child. When a little one wants something, they tend to have tunnel vision. They do not think about the dangers that could be around.
Fence it in and lock it down. Make sure your pool has a fence that is at least 4 feet tall. Slated fences are better than chain-linked fences because it cannot be climbed. Just make sure the slates have no gaps wider than 4 inches. I like SELF-CLOSING, SELF-LOCKING GATES because it provides better protection just in case someone forgets to close the gate behind them. However, make sure the latch is high enough on the fence to be out of reach from your little one.
Install alarms. A door alarm for pools will sound immediately when a child opens the door, and will continue to sound until an adult resets it, even if a little one closes the door behind him/her. It is also equipped with an adult pass through feature that will allow adults to go through the door without the alarm sounding.
For added protection, also install a floating device pool alarm, which is designed to sound a warning if a child falls into the water. Make sure you can hear all alarms from inside the house.
A power safety pool cover is a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the pool. These motor-driven covers easily open and close over the pool, and provide a great layer of protection. I think motor-powered is better because the easier it is, the more likely you are to use it EVERYTIME. However, it should meet the requirements of the ASTM pool cover safety standard. ASTM requires that a safety cover withstand the weight of two adults and a child (485 lbs.) to allow a rescue should an individual fall onto the cover.
Also, always completely remove the cover before using your pool. This is to avoid the possibility of anyone being trapped and drowning under the cover.
And remember: a little one can drown in as little as 1 inch of water, so make sure no water collects on top of the pool cover.
Don't allow children to play near or sit on pool drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped by the strong suction. Use drain covers, and consider installing multiple drains to reduce the suction.
Remove steps and ladders from above-ground pools when not in use.
Place tables and chairs well away from the pool fence to prevent children from climbing into the pool area.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
Teach your little one to swim but, know that swimming safety lessons won't make your child drown-proof.
Hide and seek for pool owners. If you cannot find your little one, check the pool and pool area FIRST. Why? Because seconds count in preventing death or disability. So when checking the pool, make sure to do a thorough check. Go to the edge of the pool and search the entire pool. Do not leave out any part. Check the bottom, edge, and sides of the pool. Then check the pool area.
Know what your local law ordinances for owning a pool. States like Florida and California have strict pool ordinances.
Learn CPR. Just in case of an accident.
Establish pool rules and teach them to your little one. Consistency is the key to learning, so remember to remind him/her of the pool rules throughout the year. More during the summer months, and don’t forget to discuss the rules during the colder months.
In order for your child pool safety plan to work, it is important to have AT LEAST 5 layers of protection. I think a child pool safety plan must include adult supervision, locked doors, perimeter door alarms, a self locking pool fence, and swimming lessons.
Most little ones love to play in water. It's sparkly, things float in it, and it's fun to splash. However water can be deadly, and it's quick to strike. So it is important to ALWAYS institute multiple layers of swimming pool safety to prevent a drowning.
