If the past few years are any indication, spring will come late and leave early, abruptly dropping us on the doorstep of another hot and long summer. And when it’s hot, nothing feels better than a refreshing dip in a pool.
But pool use can be dangerous, so, before the summer season is thrust upon us, this is a great time to review some safety tips regarding children and pools. Whenever young people get together to swim or play in the water, following some basic rules can help to ensure that a planned fun time doesn’t turn into something life threatening.
These guidelines should be considered whenever young people access any form of recreational waters, including pools (public or private), hot tubs and spas, and natural environmental water sources (lakes, rivers or the ocean).
When arriving at a pool, caregivers should survey the area, checking for ways to access the water and assessing if appropriate safety equipment is available. Check for fencing which might limit free access to the pool for the child. Ask if the pool has been recently inspected and how often the water is tested. See if the pump is running while young people are in the pool. Also see if life rings and reaching poles are available. Finally, check for a lifeguard, and check-in with her, to erase any additional pre-swim concerns you might have.
Once you are ready to allow your child to enter the pool, continue to watch him to keep him safe. He should be visible to you at all times. Submersions and drownings during childhood can happen quickly, often in the time it takes to answer a phone call, run to the bathroom, or return to the house or car for some forgotten item. In case of an emergency, it is important to keep a charged phone nearby to call 911.
You can let children use different sections of the pool based on their experience and comfort in the water. Ask yourself: Does my child know how to swim? Do I know how to swim? Would my child be safer if he used flotation equipment? Are there people nearby who are trained in life-saving?
To avoid entrapment, keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings. This can be especially important in a hot tub or spa because of the powerful suction necessary to move water through the jets. If any child goes missing, remember to always look for him in the pool or spa first. Every second counts!
Pool fences should be four feet high or more, and should surround the pool for optimum protection. Gates should be self-closing. Consider one or more of the alarms that are available for pool safety, including pool, gate, surface wave and/or underwater alarms. And — although they can be expensive — various pool covers can also be part of a plan for optimizing pool safety.
If there is a likelihood that your child will be swimming in neighbors’ pools as well, it could be helpful to meet as a community to discuss a plan and to establish shared, consistent rules for safety. Water accidents and their potentially tragic results affect families, neighbors, schools and society. We are all richer when we take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of children.
For more information, visit poolsafety.gov.
Dr. Edward McCabe is the assistant director of Adolescent Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital.
