Backyard Swimming Pool Safety

A backyard swimming pool offers fun and fitness for family and friends. But it's also a magnet for accidents if you aren't careful. It can be especially dangerous for young children or those who can't swim. But by following a few simple safety rules, you, along with your family and friends, can enjoy your swimming pool without worry.

Fence

If children have access to your pool, you need a fence to separate that tempting body of water from your house. The fence should be at least 4 feet high around all sides of the pool, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. For safety, the pool gates should also self-close and self-latch. And those latches should be higher than kids can reach.

Supervision

Even when children know how to swim, a responsible adult needs to be watching them at all times, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If small children are in the pool, an adult should be in the water with them and within arm's reach. At least one adult should know cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Rescue Tools

Always keep rescue tools by the pool, ready for action. That includes a telephone, a life preserver or a shepherd's hook, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. For added safety, put life jackets on small children. Don't use air-filled swimming aids as a substitute. They aren't made to keep children afloat indefinitely.

Alcohol

Children aren't the only ones who can get hurt in a backyard pool. Adults should exercise caution, too, advises the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Alcohol is often part of pool party festivities. But drinking can result in risky or inattentive behavior. Diving into pools can also be dangerous, resulting in serious or fatal neck injuries.

Games

Part of pool-time fun is playing games in the water. But don't allow children to have breath-holding contests or let swimmers hyperventilate before they swim under water, warns the American Red Cross. Both games are dangerous. As an added precaution, don't let anyone swim or play around drains or suction fittings where hair can get caught.