poolsafety

Pool and Jacuzzi

Drowning Risks
Most drownings occur in private pools and jacuzzis. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years of age. Most toddlers who have drowned were not expected to have been in the pool area but somewhere else in the home. This is why layers of protection is so important. While drownings happen year-round in some regions of the U.S., most occur during the warmer months between April and September, with most in early to mid-June. Remember, children, and adults, "Drown without a Sound". Having layers of protection can prevent pool drownings.

Children in the Home with a Pool
Before you bring a new baby into a home with a pool or before you buy a home with a pool or build a new pool, make sure your pool has the necessary layers of protection you need for various types of pools. From built in pools, to above ground to even inflatable and plastic wading pools carry a drowning risk. In addition, depending on if your pool is "in-use" or "not-in-use" has different drowning risks, and methods for prevention.

No Children in the Home with a Pool
Even if you are a pool owner but do not have children living in your home, be aware that many children under the age of 5 who have drowned in a private pool were not expected to have been in the pool area but somewhere else in the home either sleeping or playing. Which is why layers of protection are so important. Children drown without a sound. A child can drown in as little water as it takes to cover their mouth and nose and can sustain irreversible brain damage or death in only 4-6 minutes. Having these layers of protection will help prevent a drowning. The layers of protection below will help you identify what you need to be safe.

Layers of Protection

The layers of protection is different when your pool is "in-use" and when it is "not-in-use". Follow these preventive measures to keep your family and friends safe.

Pool In-Use

Use the "Water Watcher Tag"
Never swim alone
When watching children or adults in a pool or spa supervise them like you are a lifeguard by maintaining "active supervision" - watching all the time (Do not read, eat, talk to others, sleep, listening to music with a headset, etc.). Water Watch Tags work well
Designate a second adult for breaks
An adult who supervises a pool or spa must know how to swim and know CPR
Keep a cordless phone at the poolside for emergency use if possible. (remember a mobile phone does not provide location for 911.
Know how to use lifesaving equipment such as a Shepherd's hook and lifesaving ring
Have children use the "buddy system"
Children are not "drown proof" even if they know how to swim
Inflatables, floaties, float able swim suits, etc are not lifesaving devices and do not replace "active supervision"
Pool parties: Consider hiring a lifeguard from your local American Red Cross 1-800-627-7000
After use, make sure everyone is out of the pool & pool area
After use, remove any toys from the pool area
After use, ensure self-closing, self-latching gates is working properly
After use, lock the gate and turn on all window or door alarms that might lead to the pool area

Pool Not-in-Use

Your pool or spa must have a 5-foot minimum high fence that completely surrounds it
If the house forms a barrier, install a separation fence make sure that all doors & windows leading to the pool area, are alarmed and locked
If you have a door that leads to your pool or spa, that has a “doggy door”, remember that children climb through these
Ensure gate is self-closing/self-latching and opens outward away from the pool
Keep lawn equipment, chairs, tables away from the fence to prevent a child from climbing over
Power operated pool covers must be properly maintained
Keep lifesaving ring and shepherd’s hook in pool area & know how to use it
Make sure that pool/spa gates are locked at all time
Remove all inflatable toys from the pool/spa area
Make sure the pool/spa gate is locked and turn-on all window and door alarms that lead to the pool/spa area
Learn CPR (call the American Red Cross at 1-800-627-7000 for classes offered in your area
Learn to swim. For swimming lessons call your local parks and recreation department or American Red Cross chapter. Select here to see how knowing how to swim can save your life and protect your loved ones.

Above Ground and Smaller Pools

Inflatable or Plastic Pools

Infants should always be within arms-reach
Never allow older siblings to watch children in these pools
After each use, always empty the pool and turn it upside down

Above Ground Pools

After each use, always remove the ladder
These pools must be fenced, similarly with any pool or spa
Check with your State health department on State or local pool fencing requirements (for example California law requires fencing for these pools)
Pumps & filters also require electrical grounding to prevent electric shock. Call your local city building department for requirements in your area

Healthy Swimming Tips

Sun (Ultraviolet-UV) Protection

Sun rays are strongest between the house of 10a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear waterproof/sweat-proof UVA and UVB sunscreen
Wear lip protection with at least SPF 15
Remember to reapply as indicated by the manufacturer’s directions
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and UV protective clothing

Swimming Illness Prevention

If you have diarrhea, do not swim. This is especially important for kids in diapers. Germs can easily spread in the water and make other people sick.
Do not swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
For Parents of Young Children:

              1.   Take your kids on bathroom breaks & check diapers often.
                      Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.
              2.   Change diapers in bathroom, not at poolside. Swim-safe
                      diapers are also available to help prevention germs from
                      spreading into the water around and in the pool-spreading
                      illness. If you leave with the child, make sure another adult is
                      watching the pool.

Water Watcher Tag

When having a pool party, or just having children in the pool, designate a Water Watcher. The Water Watcher has specific rules to follow, as shown the Water Watcher tag below. This tag includes instructions and can be downloaded with instructions. Click, "Water Watcher Tag".