October 2006 Safety Tip

Pool Safety

Pool Safety Tips Help Keep Summer Safe!

• Never leave children unsupervised. If you must leave the pool for any reason, have all the children get out of the pool and the pool area.
  
  
• To keep your child afloat, always use approved personal-floatation devices rather than inflatable toys.
  
  
• Remove toys from in and around the pool when you are not using them. Toys attract young children to a pool.
  
  
• For above ground pools, secure and lock steps and ladders leading from the ground to the pool. Or, remove them when you are not using the pool.
  
  
• Have a first-aid kit, phone and emergency phone numbers nearby.
  
  
• Install a four-sided fence. Your house should not be the fourth side. Secure and lock the gate when the pool is unoccupied.
  
  
• Enroll children in swimming lessons. But beware - lessons don't make your child "drown-proof". According to the American Academy of Pediatrics in Elk Grove Village, IL, kids should be at least four years old before being enrolled in a swim class.