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THINK SAFE, BE SAFE

According to The State of Home Safety in America™ report, drowning is the fifth leading cause of
unintentional injury related death. Drowning is a silent and sudden event, and Home Safety
Council research found that many drowning deaths at home are related to swimming pools.
Since drowning victims often do not make any noise once in distress, constant supervision
around any body of water is critical. Adopt the following guidelines from the Home Safety Council
to help keep your pool area safe:

Install four-sided fencing with self-locking and self-closing gates. Fencing should
completely isolate the pool from the home and be least five feet high.

Always keep gates closed and latched. Never prop a gate open or disable the lock.

Always practice constant, adult supervision around any body of water, including pools and
spas. Never leave your child alone or in the care of another child.

When hosting a pool party, assign specific adults to keep an eye on the pool at all times.

Enroll non-swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor.

Remember that regardless of age or skill level, no one is “drown proof.” Children should
always be supervised by an adult while they are swimming.

Never swim alone. Even adults should swim with a buddy.

Learn and practice basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and CPR. Insist that
anyone who cares for your children learn CPR.

Keep poolside rescue equipment and a cordless, water resistant telephone close to the
pool area.

Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions near the pool area.

Teach children that drains, grates and filters are not toys. Never stick fingers or toes in these
openings and stay away from suction devices.

Always remove toys from the pool area when not in use.

Post safety rules in a highly visible location. Make sure children are familiar with the rules.

Keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.

Completely remove pool and spa covers prior to swimming.

Stay out of the pool during severe weather and thunderstorms, especially if lightning is
forecast or present.

If a child is missing, check the pool area first.