10 Easy Tips For Pool Safety

The summer pool season is upon us and the region has already witnessed . But similar tragedies can be prevents if the property safety steps are taken by both parents and children.

Dr. Laura Brookfield, a physician in, has a few tips for parents and kids during the summer pool season. She offered the following advice, which can be applied to both backyard and public pools.

1: Never permit a child to swim alone in a pool or unattended. Adult supervision is required. Children watching children is unacceptable. In the case of a private, backyard pool, do not leave a child or children alone to answer a ringing telephone, to get food and drink, etc. Even a few seconds away can lead to a tragedy. Supervision should be uninterrupted at all times. Have a fully charged cell phone at the ready.

2: Small children should wear flotation vests

3: As soon as possible, children should take formal swimming lessons at a local YMCA, etc.

4: Do not permit small children to attempt difficult dives off the diving board, or to misuse water slides, etc.

5: Adults should be trained in CPR.

6: Place a floating alarm in the pool when the pool is “closed.” That will alert you if a child sneaks in or falls into the water.

7: Make sure the ladder leading to the pool is up and locked when not in use. And make sure all fence gates are closed and locked.

8: Instruct children never to touch or sit on the drain at the bottom of a pool. A malfunctioning drain can suck and hold a child onto the drain with such force that he or she could not escape.

9: Do not dive in shallow water.

10: No running.

Lastly, Dr. Brookfield says the old wives’ tale about waiting one hour after you eat before swimming is just that, an old wives’ tale. So have fun this summer and make sure to be safe while chilling out by the pool