by Sara Jackson, CSW
Center for Safe & Healthy Families
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 260 children under the age of five drown in residential swimming pools and hot tubs each year. The hot temperatures and blazing sun in Utah make home and community pools commonplace. To keep the summer splish-splashy with fun, follow the safety tips below to ensure your child’s safety in and around pools and hot tubs.
- Never leave children unattended near water, no matter how shallow the water may be or what the child’s swimming ability is.
- Do not use flotation devices in place of supervision.
- Children should be within arm’s reach in case of an emergency
- Remind children to stay away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapment.
- Learn CPR and ensure that anyone who cares for your child also knows CPR.
- Post CPR instructions and emergency contact information near the pool.
- Keep rescue equipment by the pool.
- Pools should be completely enclosed with a four-foot or taller fence, including self-locking, self-closing gates with vertical bars.
- Remove steps to above-ground pools when they are not in use.
- Keep toys away from the pool when they are not being used. Toys can attract young children who can accidentally fall in to the water.
- Make sure that pool covers are completely removed before pool use.
- Encourage safe pool play: no running around the pool, pushing/shoving, or rough horseplay.
- If a child is missing, the first place you should look is in the pool or hot tub.
Share these safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors and model pool safety for others.
For more pool safety tips, check out these additional resources:
Water Danger Information from Primary Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Department
Pool Safety Resources from the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Water Safety Tips from the American Red Cross
