Swimming Pool Safety For Children

A swimming pool in the yard can be very fun and a great time for the family. But, It can also be very dangerous for children. If possible, do not put a swimming pool in your yard until your children are at least older than 5 years. But if you already have a pool, or plan to get one make sure to follow all the safety measures to keep everybody happy and safe.

The fist rule and most important, never ever leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. All it takes is a moment for a child to fall in the pool and possibly drown. So remember if the phone rings or you must go back in the house always bring the child or children with you! Children are super fast, a lot can happen in 5 seconds time.

You should always keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool. These few items near by the pool could save your child or anybody else for that matter. The hook will help you reach out to someone in the pool quickly. Use the phone for further assistance if needed.

You should consider putting up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool without the parents ever knowing until it’s too late! Install a fence at least 3-4 feet high around all 4 sides of the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and the backyard. Use gates that are self-closing and self-latching, with latches higher than your children's reach. I know this may sound a bit much, but if you have very young children it’s well worth it.

Regardless if you have children or not, anyone around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child or person if needed. Stay within an arm's length of your child at all times. Just In case something is to happen, you can react in seconds. Seconds will be the difference between life and death!

Never leave old toys in the pool area. Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them. This is important because children will miss there toys and go hunting for them right into the pool.