Supervision
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Never take your eyes off children in the water - not even for a
minute! Parents may think they'll hear splashing and screaming
when a child is in trouble,
but when a child drowns, it usually happens quickly and silently.
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Don't allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
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Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof. Never use
flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
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If
a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in
preventing death or disability.
Install Barriers
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A barrier, such as a fence that is at least 4 feet high, must
surround the pool or spa. The gate or door must be self-closing and self-latching
with the latch out of a child's reach. If the
house serves as one side of the barrier, there must be an alarm
on doors that have direct access to the pool.
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For above-ground and inflatable pools with ladders, remove or
secure the ladder when the pool is not in use.
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A power safety pool cover or safety cover for spas is another
barrier option. The safety cover must meet ASTM standard
F1346-91. If the safety cover meets standards, additional barriers, such
as fencing, may be optional - check with your local city or
county building department.
-
See the detailed
fact sheet on
installing
residential pool and spa barriers (PDF 130KB).
Avoid Entrapments
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Don't play or swim near drains or suction outlets, especially in
spas and shallow pools.
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Keep long hair away from suction drains by using hair braids,
bands, or swim caps.
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Never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broken, or missing
drain cover.
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Know where the the electrical cut-off switch for
the pool or spa pump is and mark it for quick turnoff.
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If
someone is entrapped against a drain, cut-off the power to the pump
immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the
powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person's
body to break the seal.
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Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for
entrapment hazards. We suggest seeking companies that have
certifications through the Association of Pool and Spa
Professionals or the Independent Pool and Spa Service
Association.
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Ask your pool professional if your pool or spa's drains are compliant with the
Pool and Spa
Safety Act. If they're not, find out what options you can
take to prevent entrapment from drains.
Know Life-Saving Skills
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Learn how to swim and teach your children how to swim.
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Know CPR so you can help save a life if a water emergency
happens.
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Understand the basics of life-saving so you can assist in an
emergency.
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Keep rescue equipment and a phone near the pool. Call 911 in an emergency.
Follow Pool Rules
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Public pools, such as gyms, hotels, and schools, are
required to post signs stating pool rules.
Create your own pool rules at home. Important rules to follow
include:
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Kids only go in the pool with an adult.
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No running or rough play around the pool.
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No swimming alone.
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In an emergency, call 911.
Germs and Illnesses
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Prevent gastrointestinal illness and skin irritations from pool
and spas by not
swallowing the water, maintaining proper disinfection levels
(such as 1-2 ppm of free chlorine), and not allowing people with
diarrhea to swim until 2 weeks after their symptoms are gone. Learn more about
recreational water illnesses.
Avoid Injuries and Accidents
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Don't run on the pool deck and avoid rough play.
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Don't dive into
water less then nine feet deep. Dive only from the end where the
diving board is located. Avoid multiple bounces on the diving
board and wait until the previous diver is out of the way. Dive with your hands in front of you
and always steer up immediately upon entering the water to avoid
hitting the bottom or the side of the pool.
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Go
down pool slides feet first, not head first.
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Keep pool chemicals in a locked and secure storage area.
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Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use.
Toys can attract young children to the pool.
More Resources
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