Here are some helpful water safety tips to keep your pool safe year around.

When your pool is being used

1. Assign an adult to supervise the pool at all times.
2. Maintain constant visual contact with children in the pool.
3. Never leave a child alone in a pool or spa even for a second.
4. Do not permit diving in the shallow end of the pool.
5. Keep a telephone near the pool. In case of emergency, dial 911.
6. Keep non-pool toys like big wheels, wagons, tricycles, etc. away from the pool.
7. Remove inflatable toys from the pool when not in use.
8. Never allow swimming in an unlit pool after dark.

When your pool is not is use

1. Make sure all fence gates and doors leading to the pool area are self-closing and self-latching. All latches should be above a child’s reach.
2. Restrict a child’s access to the pool when there is not adequate supervision.
3. Keep doors and gates locked.
4. Use an approved safety cover and non-climbable fence.
5. Drain standing water from pool covers.
6. Keep chairs and other climbable items away from the fence.

Being prepared

1. Obtain swimming lessons for all children 6 months and older. Assess your child’s swimming ability annually.
2. Parents, babysitters, guardians and anyone over 14 should learn CPR.
3. Update your CPR skills annually. Assess your child’s swimming ability annually.
4. Teach children how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
5. Keep a telephone near the pool. In case of emergency, dial 911.
6. Have a professional pool service technician perform an annual pool safety inspection.