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Fire Department - Public Education - Child Safe Pool
Nearly 75% of all child drowning in Pinellas County takes place in the backyard swimming pool. Take a look around your backyard pool to see if these simple, basic safety measures are in place.
- Is the pool fenced on all four sides to prevent unsupervised children from reaching pool water?
Many homeowners have their pools enclosed with screen "bird cage" fencing. But pool owners must establish a barrier between pool entryways, particularly sliding glass doors, and the pool water itself. A four-foot high child safety fence is recommended.
- Is the pool and pool area clear of toys when not is use?
Children are often enticed out into the pool area to play with colorful pool toys, especially those floating on the water.
- Are pool chemicals and supplies locked up when not in use?
Most pool chemicals are poisonous, even if inhaled.
- Is there a permanent poolside phone?
Phone jacks should be permanently installed at poolside. Often, a momentary lapse of supervision occurs when a caregiver rushes inside the house to answer a phone. Plus, should a pool emergency occur, the caregiver can call 9-1-1 for help on the spot. Don't rely on cordless!
- Is there a clear view of the pool from the house?
You should be able to see who's in your pool area from inside the house through sliding glass doors and windows. If a child is missing, look in the pool area first.
- Are there childproof locks and alarms on inside/outside pool access doors?
Screen doorways leading to the pool area should be self-closing and self-latching, with the door handles placed up above a child's reach. Sliding glass doors and windows from the home leading to the pool area should be equipped with safety alarms.
- Are electrical outlets covered?
Small children are notorious for putting their fingers or other objects into electrical outlets. Water makes the hazard all that more severe.
- Is there a designated pool watcher appointed when the pool is in use?
At social functions, don't assume someone is watching your child. Appoint a responsible adult to supervise the pool area at all times. All children must get out of the water and leave the pool area if a pool watcher is not on duty.
- Does everyone in the family know how to swim?
Children should be enrolled in swimming lessons by the time they're four years old. All caregivers should be able to retrieve a child from the pool in an emergency.
- Does everyone in the family know CPR?
Knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death in a submersion emergency.
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