Swimming pools are amazing opportunities for exercise and family fun, but they also pose risks for children...
Every year, 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas and an additional 4,000 children go to hospital emergency rooms due to submersion injuries.
The safety of our children is our number one priority! We have compiled a list of the most important steps to keeping your children safe...
1. Barriers * Install a fence of at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool or spa * Use self-closing and self-latching gates * Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers * Install an alarm on the door leading from the house to the pool
2. Watch! * Always watch children - never leave them unattended. Young children need to be within arm’s reach of an adult. * Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings * Have a charged phone close by at all times * If a child is missing, check the pool first * Even if a lifeguard is present, parents and caregivers should still take the responsibility for watching their children
3. Skills * Learn to swim and make sure your kids do, too * Know how to perform CPR (visit redcross.org to find a class nearby)
If your child is involved in a water-related incident, please call our office immediately so we can check your child’s oxygen levels and breathing. Always rather safe than sorry!
Wishing you a safe swim season!
