Though your pool will become your aquatic playground and provide countless hours of relaxation and pleasure, keep in mind that it is always a potential source of danger. You should always observe the following safety tips when you, your family and guests are in and around your pool.
- Provide constant supervision when children are in and around your pool.
- Running, pushing, shoving or horseplay should not be permitted.
- Diving should only be done from the deepest end of the pool.
- Only one person should use a diving board at a time.
- Make sure your children know how to swim.
- Learn basic water safety training, including rescue methods.
- Keep a first-aid kit near the pool. Inspect the contents of the first aid kit frequently and replace supplies as they are used.
- Invest in basic lifesaving equipment and always keep it near the pool. Inspect all lifesaving equipment regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and easily accessible. Basic lifesaving equipment should include a ring buoy with rope attached and a rescue hook.
- Consider having a cordless phone near the pool for emergencies.
- Take precautions by restricting access to your pool when no one is around. Do not permit other adults or children to use the pool by themselves. Consider installing an alarm system to alert you when someone enters the pool area.
- Illuminate the interior of the pool and the area around it with ample lighting. Be certain that a swimmer can be easily seen before allowing nighttime swimming. Be sure that all lights are in good working order.
- Inspect the drain grates of your pool or spa. Immediately replace damaged grates. Steer activities away from drain grates and do not allow children to sit on them. The suction from a drain grate can hold a person underwater.
- Consider installing a childproof safety fence around the perimeter of the pool.