Tips to keep your kids safer this summer at the pool
It's not summer without a little swimming. However, statistics say drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for people ages 5-44. In addition, 2,300 people are treated at emergency rooms for non-fatal, near-drowning incidents each year. So before heading to the pool, UL suggests the following safety guidelines:
Home pool safety
- If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four-feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child's reach.
- Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence surrounding the pool.
- Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets is strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can cause drowning.
- If you own a pool, make sure you know infant and child CPR. Each year more than 250 children under the age of five drown, most frequently in home swimming pools
Swimming safety smarts
- Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you're at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool within 10 seconds and reach the water within 20 seconds.
- Always have rescue devices such as UL-LISTED life preservers nearby.
- Remember, flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
- Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
- Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.
- Remember to remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.
