A swimming pool can mean endless fun and great exercise for children. But it's also a place where accidents can happen all too quickly. Most young children who drown in pools wandered out of the house when an adult didn't notice and then fell into the pool, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. To prevent a swimming pool tragedy, it's important for children--and adults--to follow a few safety rules.
Add a Fence
If you have a pool in your yard, a fence to separate your house from the pool is a necessity. The fence should be at least 4 feet high around all four sides of the pool, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The pool gates should self-close and self-latch. The latches also should be higher than your children can reach.
Watch the Kids
There's no substitute for keeping adult eyes on the children at all times, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics. At least one adult who's supervising should know CPR. Consider designating people to watch over the children rather than just asking everyone to keep an eye out. Especially at a party, adults can get distracted and forget they need to be watching the kids.
Stand Close By
With smaller children, especially those younger than 5 years of age, it's not enough to watch. An adult should also be near. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping children safe by using "touch supervision." That means an adult is within an arm's length of a child at all times.
Be Ready to Rescue
It's important to keep rescue equipment by the pool and within easy reach. That includes a shepherd's hook or life preserver, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as a telephone. Also, don't use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for life vests. They weren't made for that use and aren't reliable.
Use Buddy System
Tragic accidents can happen, even when children are swimming at a public pool supervised by lifeguards. At these pools, they should only swim in designated areas, advises the American Red Cross. The organization also suggests that kids use a buddy system and never swim alone, even when there's supervision.
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