During pool season, swimming safety should be on everyone’s mind. Summer is the best time of the year, in my opinion. Unfortunately, for about 300 families a year, summer is the worst time. Additionally, more than 2,000 children per year are hospitalized due to submersion injuries. I have read far too many articles about drowning children and most if not all are easily preventable. The list below will give you a good rundown of what you need for proper swimming safety guidelines.

1. Always have adult supervision when children are swimming. Child safety in the water always comes first.

2. Install a pool safety fence or barrier completely around your pool

3. Gates should close and lock automatically, especially on a child safety fence.

4. Alarms are recommended on the gates of these pool safety fences leading to the pool and pool gate.

5. Instruct any babysitter on the dangers of leaving a child unattended. Install a pool safety cover or pool safety net and use it

6. During a large party, always have an adult “spotter.” Never assume someone is watching while children are in or near the pool.

7. Just because your child can swim, never assume they are “drown proof.”

8. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using a hot tub or sauna.

9. Stay only up to 15 minutes in a hot tub or spa

10. Children under the age of 6 must not use the jacuzzi or spa

11. Stay out of a pool or hot tub if you have a contagious or waterborne disease

12. Have adequate life-saving devices, ie, shepherd’s hooks, life jackets, and other rescue and life-saving equipment near the pool.

13. Learn CPR/First Aid and make sure any babysitters or caregivers have CPR/First Aid training

14. Pick up all toys in or around the pool when not in use. Toys are too much temptation for children.

15. Always keep the pool gates closed. Never leave the door open or hold it open for any reason.

16. Instruct children to stay away from the bottom drain. If a child gets caught in the drain, turn off the pool pump motor immediately.

17. And lastly, always have adult supervision when kids are swimming.

These are good guidelines and will point you in the right direction to keep your pool safe. Contact a local fence contractor who can help you with your kiddie pool safety fence or any pool safety fence. If you have pool safety covers or a pool safety net, use them during the winter months.

Make safety a part of your pool and have a great SAFE swimming season.