A residential swimming pool can provide much pleasure. Without a doubt, a properly maintained and operated pool is quite rewarding. However, residential swimming pools are sometimes referred to as attractive nuisances or hazards, especially to younger children.
Each year, thousands of American families suffer swimming pool tragedies of drownings and near drownings of young children. In fact, most deaths and injuries in pools involve young children ages one (1) to three (3).
Most people assume if their young child falls into the pool, there will be lots of splashing and screaming, and plenty of time to react. In reality, a child slips into the water and often quietly goes under the surface. These drownings can happen quickly and silently—without warning – in as little as five (5) minutes.
Although it seems obvious, close supervision of young children is critical for families with a residential swimming pool. Unfortunately, a common scenario is a young child leaving the house or entering the pool without the parent or caregiver realizing it. Children are drawn to water, and they can drown even if they know how to swim. All children should be supervised at all times while in and around a swimming pool.
The key to preventing pool tragedies is to provide layers of protection. These layers include limiting pool access, using pool alarms, closely supervising children, and being prepared in case of an emergency. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers these tips to prevent drowning:
• Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. The fence should be no more than 2 inches above grade. Openings in the fence should be a maximum of 4 inches. A fence should be difficult to climb over.
• Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child’s reach. The gate should open away from the pool; the latch should face the pool.
• Any doors with direct pool access should have an audible alarm that sounds for 30 seconds. The alarm control must be a minimum of 54 inches high and reset automatically.
• If the house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is opened.
• Young children who have taken swimming lessons should not be considered “drown proof”; young children should always be watched carefully while swimming.
• A power safety cover—a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area—can be used when the pool is not in use.
• Rescue equipment and a telephone should be kept by the pool; emergency numbers should be posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver.
• For aboveground pools, steps and ladders should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use.
• Babysitters should be instructed about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and their need for constant supervision.
• If a child is missing, the pool should always be checked first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms can be used in conjunction with power safety covers. CPSC advises consumers to use remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.
• Toys and flotation devices should be used in pools only under supervision; they should not be used in place of supervision.
• Well-maintained rescue equipment (including a ring buoy with an attached line and/or a shepherd’s crook rescue pole should be kept by the pool.
• Emergency procedures should be clearly written and posted in the pool area.
• All caregivers must know how to swim, know how to get emergency help, and know CPR.
• Children should be taught to swim (swimming classes are not recommended for children under the age of 4 years) and should always swim with a buddy.
• Alcohol should not be consumed during or just before swimming or while supervising children.
• To prevent choking, chewing gum and eating should be avoided while swimming, diving, or playing in water.
• Water depth should be checked before entering a pool. The American Red Cross recommends 9 feet as a minimum depth for diving and jumping.
• Rules should be posted in easily seen areas. Rules should state “no running,” “no pushing,” no drinking,” and “never swim alone.” Be sure to enforce the rules.
• Tables, chairs, and other objects should be placed well away from the pool fence to prevent children from using them to climb into the pool area.
• When the pool is not in use, all toys should be removed to prevent children from playing with or reaching for them and unintentionally falling into the water.
• A clear view of the pool from the house should be ensured by removing vegetation and other obstacles that block the view.
Enjoy your swimming pool but remember the pool also comes with a risk. Protect and watch your children to protect them from this risk.
May you and your family stay safe!
Gary Hill
Building & Code Enforcement Manager
https://cdn-web.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/BSM_Pool_Spa_Brochure_lores.pdf\
https://www.poolsafely.gov/parents/safety-tips/
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html
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