ALWAYS supervise children when they are in or around your pool or any water environment (stream, bath tub, toilet, bucket of water), no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water.
Install physical barriers around your pool and spa to prevent access by young children.
Fences should be at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, which are kept in good working order. Don’t leave any furniture near the fence so that a child could climb over into 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 equipmed with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened.
For additional protection, use a power safety cover (a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area).
For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
Keep children off the main drain. The suction from the pump could trap them underwater.
Don’t leave toys in the water. Toys can lure a child into the pool.
Enroll your children in a water safety course and/or swimming classes.
Never leave flotation devices or inflatable toys to replace parental supervision.
Do not use air-filled swimming aids as a substitute for approved life vests.
Do not allow children to eat or chew gum while in the water to prevent choking.
Parents and anyone supervising children should know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid. Post CPR instructions in your pool area.
Don’t assume young children will use good judgement and caution around the water. Children must be constantly reminded to walk slowly in the pool area and only to enter the water with you.
Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, stop swimming as soon as you see or hear a storm.
After you have finished swimming, secure the pool so children can’t enter.
