According to the American Red Cross, one of the most important things parents can do to ensure safety in and around swimming pools is teach their children how to swim. The Red Cross offers swimming lessons in for all levels of swimmers in many areas of the United States. Water safety should begin as early as possible. The safety rules should be gone over with children every year before swimming season.
Posted Rules
Rules should be posted near the pool. Every swimmer who is old enough to read should read the rules before entering the pool. Those who can't read should be with an adult who has read the rules and understands them. The rules should include the policy of no running near the pool and keeping glass containers out of the pool area. Emergency numbers should be posted in a highly visible location.
Lifeguard or Buddy
Never swim alone. If you swim in a public pool, there should be a lifeguard or someone else with you at all times while you are in the water. In a home pool, there should be another swimmer or spectator nearby.
Water Depth
Know the depth of the water and where the drop-offs are located. Enter the shallow end of the water feet first. Dive head first only if the area is designated safe for diving and there are no obstructions.
Children and Inexperienced Swimmers
Anyone who is an inexperienced swimmer should wear an approved flotation device before entering the water. Shallow sections should be roped off and designated as safe areas for anyone who isn't an experienced swimmer. Children should never be left alone at any time, with an adult present at all times.
Weather Conditions
At the first sign of any kind of bad weather, everyone should get out of the pool. Even if the lightening is in the distance, the pool should be off limits.
Personal Conditions
Anyone who is tired or has just eaten should stay out of the pool until rested and the food has had a chance to be digested. Never swim or dive after consuming alcohol.
Fence and Gate
The pool area should be fenced off and have a locking gate. The gate should be self-closing and have vertical bars with openings that are a maximum of four inches in width. There should be a fence between the house and the pool to prevent small children from getting out of the house and falling into the pool.
Emergency Equipment
Have basic equipment, such as a pole, rope and flotation devices, near the pool. Have a cordless phone nearby, or install a phone near the pool in case of the need to make an emergency call.
Prevent Disasters
Keep furniture away from the edge of the fence to prevent children from using the furniture to climb over the fence. Remove toys from the pool area after the children are finished using them to prevent attracting children to the pool when no one is out there. Remove pool covers completely before allowing anyone to go into the pool. Parents, grandparents and babysitters who are looking after kids in the pool should all know CPR.
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