Pool Safety for Children in the Summer

Summer officially starts tomorrow, but many people are already swimming in coastal areas. Typically, this is the time of year when parents have concerns over their children's safety at beaches, lakes and pools.

Photo by Remco Douma

Parents are aware of the dangers that children confront when faced with deep water, yet with all the action going on during these summer outings, sometimes it's easy to get distracted from dangerous situations. Parents should always supervise their children when they are in the water. Supervising means watch them at all times, do not also read, have a phone conversation, barbeque, mow the lawn... A drowning occurs very quickly and quietly and can very easily happen unnoticed! It is also advisable for parents to take CPR classes, because every second is crucial when someone is drowning. In fact, it is advisable for parents to be in the water with their children. In other words, to be close enough, in case something should happen and they can act quickly. This is especially critical if you are at the beach, river or a lake.

Pool Alarm

If you happen to have a pool, there are some things you can do to prevent your children from drowning, especially if they are toddlers. Install a fence around your pool. It should be at least 4 feet high with self latching doors that open out and are not reachable by a child. Also, it might be a good idea, not to have water toys lying around when the pool is not being used, such as balls, masks, rafts, etc. It will be less tempting for a child to want to get in the pool and play with their toys, and you happen to be inside the house unaware of what's going on.

Another thing you can do is purchase a Pool Alarm for your pool which is a must if you have children. It comes with a monitor and a receiver. The monitor is easily installed outside, on the the pool deck. It senses unusual splashing and will sound an alarm outside as well as through the receiver which is mounted inside your home! The monitor is always active or on. You simply have to put it into the sleep mode, if you want to go for a swim. If you're inside or outside and you hear an alarm go off, you will know someone or something splashed into your water hole! It is also a great safety monitor if you have pets that are outside in the yard and happen to get near the pool and accidently fall in. The monitor can be installed up to 200 feet away from the receiver. Click on the link above for more details on this alarm.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!