Child Drowning Prevention Tips Every Pool Owner Should Know

A home swimming pool brings a lot of joy to a household, but it is important to remember that drowning is a leading cause of death in children and pool ownership comes with important safety responsibilities. The most important safety step you can take is to install a fence that prevents a child from getting to the pool from the house. There is no substitute for at least a four-foot-high, nonclimbable, four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Do not place chairs or tables near a fence, which would allow a child to climb over. Portable, above ground spas should have a hard top that locks on, preventing its use also.According to a study on child drowning by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at the time of submersion incidents, most victims were being supervised by one or both parents and 69 percent of the children were not expected to be at or in the pool, yet they were found in the water. This study shows that supervision is sometimes not enough to prevent accidents. I highly recommend installing layers of safety precautions when it comes to your home pool. Here are a few other pool safety tips:• Along with a safety fence, consider installing a pool alarm or cover.• Be sure to remove toys from the pool when kids are finished swimming to prevent them from trying to recover them when unsupervised.• Ensure that your pool is in clear view from the house, and not obstructed by plants, canopies, solid fences, or darkness.• Have rescue equipment on hand such as ring buoys and reaching poles with life hooks. First aid kits should be near by too.• If you use a pool or spa cover, follow all instructions for their safe installation, use and maintenance. Always remove a cover completely before using the pool, and do not let standing water remain on top; pump it off.• Do not allow children to play near a pool. Games and bike riding can result in someone going in, perhaps bumping their head on the way.