Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child waterproof!

Pool Safety: Use Layers of Protection

The key to preventing accidental submersion and drowning is to have layers of protection in place. These include barriers (fences) & pool alarms, close supervision of children and advance preparation in case of an emergency:

• Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, not even for a moment.
• Anyone watching young children around a pool should know CPR and how to perform a rescue if needed. CPR classes are available at your local YMCA, American Red Cross chapter or hospital.

  Pool Fencing

  Pool Steps, Ladders & Rails

  Pool Alarms

  SVRS (Safety Vacuum Release Systems)

• Install a fence at least 4' high around all 4 sides of an inground pool. This fence should completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard.
• For aboveground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use.
• Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than children's reach.
• A power safety cover (a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area when the pool is not in use) that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) adds to the protection of children, but should not be used in place of a fence between your house and the pool.
• Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's crook or life preserver ring) and a telephone (with emergency #s posted) by the pool.
• Remove all floats & water toys from the pool after use, so children aren't tempted to venture back and reach into the water for them.
• After children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
• Lock doors and windows leading to the pool.
• Pool alarms offer an added layer of protection. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. We recommend systems with remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.
• If your 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 unexpectedly opened.
• Make sure your pool complies with the Pool & Spa Safety Act of 2007. We recommend installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off the Pool pump & sound an audible alarm if a blockage is detected. You should also know where your Pool pump's cut-off switch is, and clearly mark it.
• For swimmers with physical challenges, the elderly & those recuperating from injury or illness, a Pool Lift offers safe, convenient access to the pool for exercise, therapy & recreation.
• Post safety signs with pool rules (regarding diving, running, horseplay), make sure swimmers are familiar with them, and enforce them.

Diving Safety

Safety Signs

Practice safe diving at your pool by following these safety precautions:

• Don't dive into aboveground pools; they are too shallow.
• Don't dive from the side of an inground pool. Enter the water feet first.
• Dive only from the end of the diving board and not from the sides.
• Dive with your hands in front of you and "steer up" upon entering the water to avoid hitting the bottom or sides of the pool.
• Don't dive if you have been using alcohol or drugs.
• Post safety signs with pool rules (regarding diving, running, horseplay), make sure swimmers are familiar with them, and enforce them.

Hot Tub, Spa & Whirlpool Safety

Spa Steps

Spa Covers

Spa Cover Lifters

Safety Signs

Enjoy your hot tub, spa or whirlpool. These tips will help make for a safe and relaxing spa experience for everyone!

• Always supervise children using a spa or hot tub.
• Use a quality Spa Step to provide safe, convenient access to your Spa or Hot Tub, and to help prevent injury when entering or exiting.
• Every Spa should have a locking Spa Cover in place when it's not in use. Not only does this help prevent unauthorized access and injury, it keeps debris out of your Spa Water, and reduces evaporation & heat loss.
• Post safety signs with Spa & Hot Tub rules, make sure Spa users are familiar with them, and enforce them.
• Use a locked safety cover when the spa is not in use.
• For Spas & Hot Tubs with a Cover, consider a Cover Lifter to make taking the Cover on and off your Spa safe & easy, even for one person.
• Make sure your spa complies with the Pool & Spa Safety Act of 2007. We recommend installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off your spa's pump & sound an audible alarm if a blockage is detected. You should also know where the pump's cut-off switch is, and clearly mark it.
• Check your spa or hot tub regularly to ensure it is in good, safe working condition, and that drain covers are in place and not cracked or missing.
• Anyone who has consumed alcohol or use any drugs should not use the hot tub or spa. Maintain a spa water temperature of 104° Fahrenheit or below.
• Never allow a child to play in a way that could permit the child's hair to come near the drain cover.