by pandiapen

Created on: December 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 24, 2008

A backyard swimming pool has many benefits. It can provide family fun and the opportunity for relaxation. At the same time, there are hazards associated with pools which carry the potential for accidents. Here are some pool safety tips to help avoid injury around the pool.

* Learn to swim

The most important way to avoid injury and ensure pool safety is to learn to swim. Both adults and children should learn the basics of swimming. However, remember that teaching a child to swim does not mean that other pool safety measures can be ignored.

* Never leave children unattended

Children should never be left unattended in or near a pool. An adult who is not swimming and is preferably CPR trained should supervise children at all times. Children younger than 5 should be accompanied by an adult while in the pool.

* Install a fence

A high fence is one of the best ways to avoid injury around the pool. The fence should be completely separated from the house, with a gate which is self-closing and self-locking. The bars of the fence should be vertical, with a space of less than 4 inches between bars.

* Use pool cover properly

If you have a pool cover, prevent accidents by removing it completely before using the pool. When the pool cover is in place, don't allow children to walk on it.

* Keep lifesaving equipment and phone near the pool

Good pool safety requires life saving flotation devices to be kept near the pool at all times. The American Red Cross recommends pole, rope and personal flotation devices (PFDs). Make sure you know how to use the devices. Also keep a phone nearby when the pool is in use.

* Keep the pool area safe

Toys left out by the pool or in the water may tempt children. Put all toys away when leaving the pool area. Pool desks can become slick when wet. To avoid injury, children should be prohibited from running around the pool and from rough horseplay around and in the pool.

* Eliminate the unseen hazard

Bacteria and contaminated water are unseen hazards in the pool. They can cause illness and infection. Keeping the pool clean and monitoring chemical levels is one way to eliminate bacteria. Another way is to make sure children get out of the pool and use the bathroom. Children should also be taught to avoid drinking pool water.

* Weather Safety

Lightning is a serious threat for swimming pools. The underground support network of metal pipes and electrical wiring may cause shocks when lightning strikes the ground. When using a swimming pool and lightning or thunder are present, determine if the lightning strikes are within 5 miles. If so, avoid injury by evacuating the pool and seeking shelter.

Being aware of potential hazards around the pool and keeping the rules of pool safety in mind will ensure that you and your family will have fun and stay safe in the water.

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