Home Pool Safety

  • Learn to swim and be sure everyone in the household knows how to swim.
  • Never leave a child unattended who may gain access to any water. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous to young children.
  • Teach your child not to go near the water without you; the pool area is off limits without adult supervision.
  • Adult supervision is essential. Adult eyes must be on the child at all times.
  • Enclose the pool completely with a fence with vertical bars (so that it’s not easy to climb) that has a self closing, self latching gate. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. The house should not be part of the barrier. If the house is part of the barrier for an existing pool, an additional fence should be installed and the doors and windows leading from the house to the pool should remain locked and be protected with an alarm that produces sounds when the door is unexpectedly opened.
  • Post the rules for your pool and enforce them without exception.
  • Post depth markers and “no diving” signs, as appropriate. Use a buoyed line to show where the depth changes from shallow to deep. Limit non-swimmer activity to shallow water.
  • Never leave furniture or toys near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.
  • Keep toys away from the pool and out of sight when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
  • Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use and completely secured when in place.
  • Post the emergency telephone number for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system by your telephone. Keep a telephone near the pool or bring a fully charged cordless phone or mobile phone poolside.
  • Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. A reaching pole, rope, and flotation devices, such as buoys, rescue tubes, and life jackets are recommended, and a well stocked first aid kit should also be available. Store the safety gear in a consistent, prominent, easily accessed location. A “safety post” may be use.
  • Learn Red Cross CPR and first aid. Insist that babysitters, grandparents, and other who care for your children know these lifesaving skills.
  • If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
  • Keep the pool water clean and clear. Water should be chemically treated and tested regularly, if you cannot see the bottom of the deep end, close the pool. Contact a local pool store or health department for information and instruction.