Pools are a source of great summertime fun, but too frequently they are the site of preventable drownings or near drownings for young children. As pediatric emergency room physicians at CHKD, we have already seen several such tragedies and summer only just begun!

Following are some pool safety tips to ensure your little ones remain safe.

Surround your pool with a 4-sided pool fence.
Pools should be fenced on all four sides by at least a 4-foot non-climbable fence with a self closing latch. The vast majority of toddlers who drown in pools walk unrecognized out their back door. The fence must separate the house from the pool. Consider a removable mesh fence as an attractive and economical alternative to more permanent fencing.

Families unwilling to gate their pool on all four sides need to set up multiple “lines of defense” between the back door and the pool. This should include a door chime, a childproof and out-of-reach door lock, a self-closing self-locking door, and in some cases, an outdoor gate. Since most small children who drown do so in a frighteningly silent manner, we also recommend a pool alarm such as this one which will sound if your child accidentally falls into the pool.

Really watch your children carefully at all times around the pool.
A well-done study revealed that when children drown, a caregiver claims to be supervising the child nearly 90 percent of the time. In large gatherings, when adults are talking and are easily distracted, designate a "water watcher" in charge of watching the pool and rotate this duty. Make sure everyone understands that this person is not to be distracted from this very important job.

Enroll your child in swimming lessons.
Until recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discouraged formal swimming lessons for children less than age 4. The academy now, however, believes that age specific and appropriate swimming lessons can be beneficial to some children as young as 12 months old. While swimming lessons are no substitute for appropriately childproofing your pool and vigilantly supervising your children around the water, we concur with the AAP and encourage parents of young children to enroll in local swimming classes that are developmentally appropriate.

Do not rely on water wings and other swimming aids.
Swim aids are no substitute for supervision and can create a false sense of security for you and your child. Non-swimmers should have an adult within arm's reach at all times.

Be prepared for the unthinkable. Learn CPR.
One of the most important factors leading to a full recovery from a near-drowning is prompt initiation of CPR. Consider a class through the American Red Cross or home training with the American Heart Association's DVD and manikin kit called CPR Anytime.

Pools are sources of great fun and great danger to young children. Drownings and near-drownings happen in the blink of an eye. You can never be too vigilant. Please take the appropriate steps to ensure your pool is childproofed and that your out-of-home swimming fun remains just that -- fun. If you have questions about childproofing your pool, feel free to email or call us at 866-200-7233.

 

If you like these tips, please pass them to your friends, clients and colleagues.

If you have questions about child proofing your Home or Business, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (757) 200-7233 or Info@ChildSafetyHouseCalls.com.

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About Child Safety House Calls
Child Safety House Calls is led by two emergency room pediatricians and specializes in evaluating and selling through their online child safety store safety products for childproofing your pool, drowning prevention, pool safety, childproof pool, pool fences, and pool alarms. They provide information to parents nationwide on the best pool childproofing products and methods. In Hampton Roads, Virginia, their team conducts child safety house calls to parents in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg.