| KEEPING
POOL & SPA USE SAFE |
 |
BLOCK and LOCK access to your
pool or spa using fences, unclimbable latched
gates and pool covers. |
|
Regularly CHECK that the gate
latches securely and that spring mechanisms
work properly. Regularly OIL the hinges and
latches. |
|
Always SECURE doors and windows
leading to the pool area. Locks and alarms
on these doors need to be placed above the
level that a small child can reach, even with
the aid of a chair. Keep the keys well out
of reach of children. Doors and windows leading
to the pool area should be self-closing and
self-latching. |
|
LOCK doggie doors as well.
Small children can easily fit in the small
openings of doggie doors. |
|
STORE toys and other pool paraphernalia
in a locked container so that young children
can’t see and be tempted to reach them.
|
|
Properly SANITIZE your pool
to kill harmful bacteria. Swimming pools can
be breeding grounds for dangerous microorganisms;
chlorine helps maintain a clean and safe pool.
Be sure to carefully follow all directions
on pool treatment products. |
|
INSTALL an alarm system that
will warn of unwarranted intrusion in the
backyard. “Perimeter awareness sensor”
devices detect motion in the designated area
and relay the signal to a receiver, which
sounds an alarm. |
|
POST CPR instructions and the
911 emergency number in the pool area. |
|
KEEP lifesaving equipment,
such as a pole, life preserver and rope –
in the pool area. HANG them from the fence
so people won’t trip on them. |
|
HAVE a phone handy in the pool
area. |
|
DON’T PLACE chairs, tables
and other objects near pool fences. Children
can use these to climb over. Better yet, place
outdoor furniture inside the locked pool fence
where it will be inaccessible to children. |
|
EMPTY standing water off pool
and spa covers. A child can drown in as little
as two inches of water. |
