SWIMMING POOL/WATER SAFETY

A swimming pool in the yard can be very dangerous for children. Each year, many children drown in backyard swimming pools and in small kiddie pools. If possible, do not put a swimming pool in your yard until your children are older than 5 years. Children are in danger because:

• They like to play in water.
• They move quickly.
• They can drown in only a few centimeters (1 inch) of water.

If you have a pool, protect the children from drowning

• Supervision is the key word when it comes to pool safety. Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. Don't be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversation. If you must leave the pool area, take the children with you, making sure the pool gate latches securely when it closes.
• Always keep your eyes on the children. Designate a child watcher, whether you or someone else, when you attend a party or have friends or family over.
• You must put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all 4 sides of the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach.
• A power safety cover that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) adds to the protection of your children but should not be used in place of the fence between your house and the pool. Even fencing around your pool and using a power safety cover will not prevent all drownings.
• Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
• Do not let your child use air-filled "swimming aids" because they are not a substitute for approved life vests and can be dangerous.
• Children under the age of 3 and children who cannot swim must wear a life jacket or personal floatation device.
• Anyone watching young children around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child if needed. Stay within an arm's length of your child.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
• After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
• Send children to swimming and water safety lessons.
• Talk with babysitters about pool safety, supervision and drowning prevention.
• Post rules such as "No running," "No pushing,", "No dunking," and "Never swim alone". Enforce the rules.
• Don't assume that drowning or a drowning incident couldn't happen to you or your family.
• Empty wading pools immediately after use and turn them over.

Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water.

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CHAIN, YOUNGER, COHN & STILES
1430 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-5220
Tel: 661-323-4000