Swimming Pool Safety:

Enclose your swimming pool with a fence that includes self-locking and self-closing gates. The fence should have spacing no more than four inches between each slat or picket. Always check with your local building code officer before installing a fence.

Other swimming pool safety tips:

• Keep all lawn furniture away from the fence so that a child cannot climb over into the pool area.

• Keep toys away from the pool which may entice children to go near the pool.

• When not in regular use, keep your swimming pool covered.

• Clearly identify the shallow and deep ends of your swimming pool.

• Do not rely only on flotation devices and/or swimming lessons to protect children. Proper supervision is always necessary.

• Never leave a child unobserved around water. Keep your eyes on your child at all times or designate an adult supervisor.

• At public pools, always swim in designated areas with an approved lifeguard on duty.

• Know your local weather conditions, and never go swimming during thunderstorms.

• If possible, have a cordless or cellular phone near the pool, and know your emergency phone number or 911.

• Take a CPR course and encourage all family members to do the same. Know what to do in case of an emergency.

In the event of a water emergency:

• Check the area to ensure that it is safe and check the victim

• Call 911 or emergency personnel

• Care for the person until help arrives

Contact your local American Red Cross to learn more about the "check-call-care" guidelines and other proper rescue techniques in a water emergency or drowning situation.

Play it safe...enjoy the water!

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