Articles » Swimming Pools: Tips for Keeping Kids Safe

By: by Debra Howard

Swimming Pools: Tips for Keeping Kids Safe

It’s that time of year again when Tucsonans look forward to taking a break from the heat and head to backyard swimming pools. Nothing is more inviting than a great pool on a hot day; especially for children. But the downside to our poolside fun quickly comes to a halt when we think of the potential dangers associated with this wholesome activity.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in Arizona for children under the age of five. In the time it takes to answer a phone, it can be too late to revive a child. To keep your children and grandchildren safe this summer, the Tucson Fire Department offers these tips:

1.      Install and maintain an isolation fence separating your pool from the house and play yard.

2.      NEVER leave a child alone near any body of water.

3.      Designate an adult to supervise children around ANY water; especially at social gatherings.

4.      Never consider children to be “water-safe” despite swimming skills, previous swimming lessons or experience.

5.      Floaties, swimmies or other inflatable flotation toys are NOT life jackets and should NEVER be substituted for adult supervision.

6.      Keep toys, tricycles and other play things away from the pool or spa.

7.      Assure a clear view from the house to the pool or spa by removing vegetation and other obstacles.

8.      Always completely remove the cover before using the pool or spa.

9.      BEWARE: light-weight, floating solar-type pool and spa covers are NOT safety covers—a child can become trapped under this type of cover!

The Fire Department also suggests anyone who supervises children to have a knowledge of CPR. They also encourage you to get a Designated Child Watcher Whistle, free to anyone; just drop by your local Tucson Fire Station and pick one up. Let's make Summer 2007 the safest one yet!

For more information on swimming pool safety, visit the Tucson Fire Department website.

About the author:

Debra Howard is a former interior designer and retailer. She now owns and maintains www.tucsonhomeandgardenspot.com a project developed by her web business: www.creativeedgemarketingco.com