Swimming Pools and Children: Some Safety Advice

Owning a swimming pool is fantastic fun for everyone in the household. However, besides being fun, a swimming pool can also be dangerous, especially to children. For optimum safety, if at all possible, it's best to not even have a pool on your property until your children are at least 5 years old. However, if you already have a pool, then there are ways you can protect your children from the dangers a swimming pool offers.

Close, parental supervision, is a must when it comes to children being around your pool. Never let them unattended near the swimming pool. For whatever reason, children are like moths to a flame, except they are very drawn to water. Even if they are unattended for one second, they could fall in and drown.

It's also a good idea to ensure you have plenty of safety equipment all around the swimming pool. You want to make sure no matter where you are, around the pool, there is always safety equipment no further than an arm reach away. Remember, when it comes to drowning, seconds are crucial. It is highly suggested that you invest in a shepherd's hook. This device is very useful for reaching into the water and pulling the drowning person to safety. If at all possible, you should also have a phone installed near the phone. At the very least, keep a reliable cordless phone or cell phone near the pool at all times. This way, if you need to call 911, a phone is within easy access. Again, every second counts, when it comes to a drowning victim

If there isn't one already installed around your pool, you should strongly consider getting a fence. One of the most effective ways of protecting your children from drowning in an unattended swimming pool is a fence. You shouldn't settle on a fence any less than 6 feet high and it should include a gate which can be locked. Of course, a locking gate does no good, if it isn't regularly locked. You should also be sure to store the key somewhere your children won't have access to it.