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Aquatic activities, swimming, and spa use can be healthy and fun for the whole family. With the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimating that 300 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools each year and thousands more are injured, however, care must be taken to enjoy swimming-related activities safely.
Fortunately, there are many actions adults can take to help reduce the risk of drowning, injury or illness:
- Small children require constant adult supervision. There is no substitute for the watchful eye of caring adults and family members.
- Make sure you know if any of the individuals using your pool, especially the children, are non-swimmers.
- If a drain cover is missing or broken, shut down the pool, spa, or hot tub until the cover is replaced. Don't allow anyone to ever play with or remove a drain cover. Drain, suction fittings and grates should be designed to meet the newly revised 2007 standards for preventing body, limbs, and hair from becoming trapped.
- Establish rules for pool use. Do not allow kids to run or play games near the pool. Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheeled toys, away from pools, as children playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
- Keep electrical appliances, such as televisions and stereos, away from the pool or spa so that they won't be knocked into the water accidentally.
- Install a certified barrier or pool alarm to help prevent unauthorized persons from entering the area surrounding your pool or spa. Wristband alarms are also available to alert parents if a child should accidentally fall into the water.
- Make sure an emergency shut-off switch for the pump is installed nearby and that it is easily accessible. Everyone should know where these switches are located and how to use them.
- Ensure your pool and/or spa is properly sanitized and maintained. Use pool treatment chemicals safely and always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions shown on the label. Store chemicals in a cool, dry area out of the reach of children.
- Check local building codes to ensure the fence surrounding your pool meets minimum type and height requirements. Gates leading to the pool area should have a selfclosing and self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry.
