Swimming Pool Safety Policies

A swimming pool offers hours of fun, whether it's in your backyard, at your community center or in your town. But to keep everyone safe, you need to follow swimming pool safety policies. About 300 children younger than 5 years old drown each year, warns the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of the children were only missing less than five minutes when discovered.

Keep Watch

Children in or around a pool should be under adult supervision at all times, cautions the American Academy of Pediatrics. If children younger than 5 are in the water, an adult should be within arm's reach. The adults watching the children should avoid any distractions, including socializing or engaging in other activities that could divert their attention.

Know CPR

If you have a pool in your yard, it's a good safety policy to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation. By learning CPR you might one day save a life. You're already on the scene and your actions can make a difference before the paramedics arrive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that when bystanders step in and perform CPR, some near-drowning victims have better outcomes.

Play Safely

Your pool policy should include a ban of any dangerous games. For instance, the American Red Cross warns against allowing children to have breath-holding contests or letting swimmers hyperventilate before they swim under water. Diving is also dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. As a further precaution, don't allow anyone to swim around drains or suction fittings. Their hair can get caught and trap them under water.

Keep Help Handy

Don't allow your children's swimming lessons to give you a false sense of security. You need to be ready to rescue at a moment's notice. That's why a good safety policy includes keeping rescue tools close at hand. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a life preserver or a shepherd's hook, which a struggling child or adult can grab. In addition, always keep a telephone by the pool.

Install a Fence

If you have a pool at your home, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you also need a fence. According to academy guidelines, the fence, which should separate your house from the pool, should be at least 4 feet high around all four sides. In addition, the pool gates should self-close and self-latch.