Pool and Spa Safety Tips

Swimming pools and spas are places of relaxation, exercise, and fun. But spas and pools can also be places of extreme danger. Death and injury by water submersion can transform a leisure day into a day of tragedy within seconds. So it is imperative that all swimmers and guardians are aware of preventative safety measures before going near a swimming pool or spa.

Always Supervise Children and Inexperienced Adult Swimmers:

• Always means "at all times" and needs to be taken literally. Talking on a phone or simply looking away for a few seconds can be hazardous.
  
  
• Appoint a designated supervisor to watch for accidents. If you are with a group, take turns supervising so everyone can enjoy the pleasures of swimming pools.
  
  
• If a child is missing, scan the entire pool first. Every second counts when you are preventing a drowning or disability.
  
  
• Before you and your friends get near the water, ask if anyone has difficulty swimming. Be sure to keep watch on anyone who is inexperienced or may suffer from a medical emergency.
  
  
• Practice "touch supervision" with children younger than 5 years. Touch supervision is when the adult is within an arm’s length of the child at all times.
  
  
• If you will be distracted and cannot keep your eyes on the pool area, remove children from the pool area until you can give 100% attention to child safety.
  
  

Keep Emergency Equipment in the Pool Area

• Always keep at least one life preserver in an easy to see and reach location near the pool.
  
  
• Have a telephone close by so you never leave children unattended in or near a pool. Have a list of emergency phone numbers near the pool as well.
  
  
• Place pool safety signs in several different locations around the pool. Many lives have been saved by the constant reminder of pool safety signs. Illustrative warnings such as walk not run, water depth info, and safety for pregnant mothers can play a key role in pool safety.
  
  
• Flotation devices are NOT life jackets or any other form of safety equipment. Never substitute supervision for flotation devices.
  
  

Learn Adult and Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Ensure that anyone watching your child swim is certified in CPR and First Aid.
  
  
• For CPR class schedules and information, contact your local fire department, American Heart Association, Red Cross or hospital.
  
  

Enclose the Pool Area with Isolation Fencing

• Isolate you swimming pool and spa from the home, play areas, front and side yards.
  
  
• Fences and walls around pools and spa should be at least 4 feet tall and completely surrounding the pool area.
  
  
• Install self‑closing and self‑latching gates.
  
  
• Gate latches should receive a padlock.
  
  
• The gate latch should be out of reach for small children.
  
  
• Install exit alarms on doors and windows that provide access to the pool and spa.
  
  
• Remove patio furniture or other structures from the perimeter of the isolation fence to keep small children from climbing over the barrier.
  
  

Dive Cautiously

• Don't dive from the side of an in‑ground pool. Enter the water feet first.
  
  
• Dive only from the end of the diving board and not from its sides.
  
  
• Dive with your hands in front of you and always steer up immediately upon entering the water to avoid hitting the bottom or sides of the pool.
  
  
• Don't dive if you have been using alcohol or drugs because you reaction time may be too slow.
  
  
• Never dive in spas or shallow pools.
  
  
• Diving injuries can result in quadriplegia or paralysis below the neck when diver hit the bottom or side of a swimming pool.
  
  

Having Had Swimming Lessons Does Not Make You "Drownproof"

• Even experienced swimmers are at risk of drowning. Unconsciousness from a head injury can cause drowning. Medical emergencies such as seizures during swimming can also be lethal.
  
  
• Ask your doctor questions about your health and swimming before you go near a pool or spa.
  
  
• Alcohol and some prescription drugs inhibit swimming capabilities. Don't drink and swim, and learn if you are currently taking any drugs that may increase your risk of drowning.
  
  

Install Pool Safety Equipment

• A power safety cover can be placed over the water area and when the pool is not in use.
  
  
• Remove above‑ground pools or steps and ladders to the pool when it is not in use.
  
  
• Use a pool alarm system as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers.
  
  

Prevent Spa and Pool Entrapment Dangers (Suction Entrapment Details)

• Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover.
  
  
• Install a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected. Test device frequently following the manufacturer's recommendations.
  
  
• Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.
  
  
• Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut‑off switch for the pool or spa pump.
  
  
• If someone is entrapped against the drain, cut off the pump immediately.
  
  
• Break the seal of suction by prying a hand between the person's trapped body and the drain. DO NOT pull the person away from the drain in case of further injury.