Swimming Pool Safety
Beating the Louisiana summer heat is much easier with a refreshing dip in a cool swimming pool. Millions of us enjoy backyard swimming in our pools or hot tubs each summer, but tragically, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. Please make pool safety your priority by following these safety tips:
- Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. We recommend a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
- Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate swim lessons.
- Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear with proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
- Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
- Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses.
Source: American Red Cross