Q: Can you give me some pool safety tips?

With the summer months approaching, it is more important than ever to brush up on swimming safety. With over 43,000 swimming pool related injuries each year and nearly 600 deaths, it is never too often to remind yourself and children of safe swimming practices.

Please read our Swimming Safety tips!

• Supervise children at all times. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds and even a quick errand inside the house, or away from the water, is too long to leave them unattended.
• Add a fence around your property to keep children and guests (invited or uninvited) from using the pool without your knowledge.
• Before children swim, check the pool for objects that may complicate their ability to swim freely and safely such as branches, glass, pool filters, etc.
• Keep electrical devices, such as portable radios, a safe distance from the pools edge and other wet surfaces.
• Alcohol and swimming do not mix. Period.
• Make sure to evacuate everyone from the pool at the first indication of a storm or bad weather.
• Diving should be closely regulated and children should always be aware of safe diving depths.
• Maintain a safe amount of time (30 minutes) after eating before getting back in the pool.
• Always double check the swimming experience level of all swimmers that you are responsible for.

Be sure to contact your home insurance agent and to check your homeowners policy for any stipulations regarding a pool.

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Last Updated: April 8, 2008 5:45 PM EST

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