The biggest drowning threat families with toddlers are facing is unexpected, unsupervised access to water: swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, bathtubs, natural bodies of water such as ponds, and standing water in homes. 69% of all drownings among children age 4 and younger happen during non-swim times.
Layers of Protection Are The Solution:
- A pool safety fence, isolating the pool from the home and all access points.
- High locks and alarms on all doors and windows with pool access.
- Alarms both in the pool and worn on the child.
- Water survival training as soon as the child is crawling.
- And finally, CPR and rescue training
Also, remember to:
- Check local city and town rules and regulations to understand local safety requirements
- Use non-slip materials near your pool and on pool steps
- Always make sure handrails are installed correctly and that there are exit paths via ladders
- Always check with a professional before installing a diving board to make sure it’s safe
- A fence of at least 48” in height should be installed to create a pool barrier (use mesh pool fence)
- Keep furniture, toys and other items away from fencing
- Secure all exit routes to the house
- Never take your eyes off of children
- Rotate who is in charge of supervising children every 15 minutes to avoid fatigue. Drowning happens quickly and silently.
- Teach children ISR and how to float early on
- Never leave children unattended
- Keep pool safety and life saving devices near the pool
- For above ground pools, prevent access to children by taking extra measures via pool fences, etc.
- Regularly check your backyard looking for safety hazards
- Remember, pets can drown too – we love them, so keep them safe with a pet fence
Contact Life Saver Pool Fence of Upstate NY for a free safety evaluation. Call Jon at 518-421-4969 or contact us here.
