Safety Tips: Don't Let an Accidental Drowning Happen

Memorial Day marks the official beginning of the summer season. That means kids will be angling for the pool more often.

Here are some safety tips from the Home Safety Council on ways to keep kids and family safe around the house.

POOL AND SPA SAFETY

• When children are in or near the water, a grownup should watch them very carefully. Do not take your eyes off them. Older children should not be left in charge of younger children in the pool area.
• If you have a pool or spa, install a fence that goes all the way around it. The fence should close and latch by itself. It should be least five feet high.
• Always keep gates closed and latched. Never prop a gate open.
• Do not leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over it.
• Keep the pool area clear of things you could trip on.
• Keep a cordless, water resistant telephone with emergency numbers posted in the pool area.
• Keep poolside rescue equipment close by. Equipment should include a rescue pole measuring at least 10-12 feet and a ring buoy with line. Do not allow children to play with these tools.
• Keep a life vest approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on hand. Anyone who is not a good swimmer should wear a vest.
• Use plastic instead of glassware in the pool area.
• For extra safety, use a pool alarm to alert you if someone falls into the pool. Recent studies show that sub surface pool alarms are most effective. These alarms are not substitutes for adult supervision of children. Keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.
• Remove excess water from pool and spa covers.
• Completely remove pool and spa covers before anyone gets in.
• Chlorine-based pool care products can explode and catch on fire. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when using pool chemicals and store chemicals in a dry place away from heat sources.
• Lock all pool chemicals in a secure cabinet out of children’s reach.

SWIMMING SAFETY

• If you have a pool or spa, install a fence that goes all the way around it. The fence should close and latch by itself. It should be least five feet high.
• Always keep gates closed and latched. Never prop a gate open.
• When children are in or near the water, a grownup should watch them very carefully. Do not take your eyes off them.
• If you have a pool party, have grownups take turns watching the children at all times.
• Enroll non-swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor.
• Never swim alone. Even adults should swim with a buddy.
• Learn how you would save someone in trouble. Learn First Aid and CPR. Make sure that anyone who cares for your children learns CPR.
• Keep poolside rescue equipment and a cordless, water resistant telephone close to the pool area.
• Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions near the pool area.
• The pump in a pool or spa creates powerful suction at the drain, which can trap a swimmer under water. Teach children to stay away from drains, grates and filters.
• Tie up long hair before swimming. Pool drains should have a cover. For added protection, consider purchasing a safety guard to install over the drain.
• Never leave toys in or around the pool when you are not there.
• Teach children the “rules of the pool.” Remind them often.
• Keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.
• Completely remove pool and spa covers before anyone gets in.
• Stay out of the pool during severe weather and thunderstorms, especially if lightning is forecast or present.
• If a child is missing, check the pool area first.

WATER SAFETY AT HOME

• Always stay close enough to touch your child when he or she is in or near the bathtub, toilet, pools, spas or buckets. Watch them every second.
• Only grownups should be in charge during bath time.
• Do not leave young children in the tub alone with older children.
• Baby bath seats are not a safety device. They should never take the place of an adult.
• Drain the bathtub as soon as bath time is over.
• Keep bathroom doors closed. Use an outside lock or a door knob cover to keep young children out of the bathrooms when you are not with them.
• Use toilet seat locks and keep toilet lids shut.
• Empty all buckets when you are done using them Store them upside down. Store large buckets where children cannot touch them.
• Put a fence all the way around your pool or spa. The fencing should be at least five feet high and a self-closing and self-latching gate. Always keep the gate closed and locked.
• Always stay close enough to touch your child when he or she is in or near the pool.
• Make your child wear a Coast Guard approved life vest if they are not very good swimmers.
• No child or adult should swim alone.
• Pool drains are dangerous. They can trap a child under water. Cover your drain with a safety guard (you can get them at a pool supply store). Teach your children to stay away from the drain and filters. Teach them never to sit on a pool drain.
• If you have a wading pool, empty it every time. Store it upside down so that rain does not collect in it.

KID SAFETY IN THE BATH

• When bathing children, always stay close enough to touch them.
• Turn the cold water on first and then add warm water.
• Use a thermometer to test how hot it is. The water should be 100 degrees F or less.
• Before children get in the tub, run your hand all through the water to test for hot spots.
• Babies and children have thin skin that burns easily. Install special tub spouts and shower head that prevent hot water burns.
• Do not store electrical appliances such as blow dryers and radios near sinks and tubs. Keep these out of children’s reach at all times.