Keep Safe and Have Fun in Your Backyard Swimming Pool
Although swimming pools are fun, they can be potential hazards for children. With summer finally here, you want to be focused on enjoying your backyard pool, not worrying about safety hazards. Follow these steps to keep the pool safe and fun for kids.
Safety Fence
As we all know, kids are constantly on the move and getting into things they shouldn’t. Unfenced outdoor pools can be very dangerous places for little ones, so if you’ve got a backyard pool, make sure it’s fenced — for your own kids’, and any neighbourhood kids’, sake. The fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet high. Kids are pretty resourceful, so it’s best to avoid chain link — the less climbable, the better. The latches on fence gates should be at least 58 inches above the ground and should be self-closing — so that gate can never stay open to tempt kids to go into the pool area when no adults are around.
Filters
Filters help to prevent the spread of infection, but must have safeguards so they cannot trap hair or body parts.
Cover
Pools should always be covered when not in use.
Access to a phone
Have a cell phone or cordless phone near the swimming pool in an easy-to-reach location in case of emergencies.
Keep watch
Keep a close eye on the kids at all times and try to avoid distractions like checking your phone. If a child is suddenly missing, check the edge of the pool first and then scan the entire surface.
Pool alarms
Pool alarms include floating alarms, subsurface alarms and wristband alarms. Keep in mind alarms should never be seen as substitutes for safety equipment and alert supervision.
Set pool rules
Nobody likes rules, especially not kids, but when lives are at stake rules are needed. Think about implementing a few of your own; like no running, keeping the pool area free of toys and tripping hazards, and no chewing gum or food in the pool.
Personal flotation devices and rescue equipment
Flotation devices such as rubber rings and mats can help to help to prevent accidents. Rescue equipment like rope, life buoys, a reaching pole, and life preservers are great to have on hand as well.
Originally published at wellthyliving.ca on June 21, 2017.
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