The Importance of Pool Safety and Fences
With summer in full swing, people are spending more and more time in and around swimming pools. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget how dangerous a pool can be to a young child, and that’s why the Consumer Safety Product Commission is pushing for more awareness and attention to children and swimming pools this season.
Taking safety precautions from supervision a strong, sturdy fence around a pool can make a big difference where children are involved.
Sign of the Problem
The numbers are staggering, with drowning being the number one cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 4. In fact, 78% of submersion deaths are in children under the age of 15, with 76% of those being under 5.
In-ground pools were found to be the most dangerous at 60%, but above-ground and portable pools accounted for a combined 25%.
How to Promote Pool Safety
There are a few important things you can do to help your child be safe around your pool this summer:
- Teach your child how to swim. In many places, the American Red Cross provides swimming lessons for children and adults alike.
- Put up a fence that they cannot open or climb. You will want to talk to a professional about which fence is going to work for you and your family before making a final decision.
- Supervise children in the pool at all times. The best prevention is supervision. Whenever a child—especially a younger child—is in or near a swimming pool, they should be constantly supervised.
Pool safety is an important concern, and taking it seriously is equally important.
