The summer is here and many are enjoying a backyard pool,
whether big or small. It is important to
remember that drowning can happen very quickly and in even less than 1 inch of
water, especially for infants and toddlers. Be aware of filled bathtubs, swimming
pools (inflatable as well), wading pools, and even buckets of water left
unattended. The following information
will help you have a safe summer of water-filled fun:
·
- If you have a pool in your backyard, install fencing at least 4 feet high on all sides of the pool, as well as a self-closing and self-latching gate with a lock that’s out of a child’s reach.
- Consider installing a pool alarm or cover.
- Remove toys from the pool when kids are finished swimming to prevent them from trying to recover them when unsupervised.
- Inflatable flotation devices such as vests, water wings, rafts, and tubes can give a false sense of security in the pool and are not effective in protecting a child from drowning. Maintain constant adult supervision.
- Dump out all water from a wading or baby pool when you’re finished using it.
- Remove any ladders from an above-ground pool when not in use.
- If you leave your child with a babysitter or relative, make sure they know all your pool rules.
Source: © 1995-2013 The Nemours
Foundation
Early Intervention Program,
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
