Water play – especially in a swimming pool – is fun for children, adults, and many pets. Children and pets can’t always read warning labels, remember instructions, or process possible consequences before engaging in activities. It is important for you to instill and practice consistent safety measures before an accident happens at your swimming pool.
Have your children take swimming lessons from a certified instructor. Do not let children play in or around the swimming pool without adult supervision – even if they know how to swim. Children can become fatigued, trip and fall in unexpectedly, or be the victim of a toy failure. Create pool rules and be sure children understand the rules are for safety– not to prevent them from having fun. Review the safety rules every time before you swim.
- No swimming without adult supervision.
- Do not keep toys by the pool when the pool is not in use.
- No electronics or electrical appliances near the pool.
- No running.
- No diving in shallow areas.
We know you do the best to supervise your children at all times. But even the best parents miss something from time to time. Exhaustion, stress, a minor crisis or emergency, or even a simple task like wiping the kitchen table can leave children unattended long enough for them to get outside and fall into the pool. Children learn to unlatch doors, attempt climbing out windows or through the pet door, and older children sometimes leave doors open. The best way to keep children and pets away from the pool without supervision is to have a climb-resistant fence that’s at least 4 feet high. Make sure there are no plants, benches, rocks or other decorations placed near the fence that can be used as a ladder or step stool to get over the fence. Make sure the fence has a well-maintained gate that is self-closing and self-latching. The latch needs to be higher than children can reach – roughly 54 inches from the bottom of the gate.
A good fence will prevent both children and pets from accidentally getting into the swimming pool area. You can also set rules and boundaries for your pets. Train your dog not to run through the fence into the pool area without permission. Teach your dog to swim. If you aren’t feeling qualified for this task, you can enlist the help of a dog trainer. Doggie life vests will provide buoyancy and come in bright colors, so it is easy to keep an eye on your dog. Be aware of your dog’s changing health and body as he or she ages. Things like arthritis and vision loss may make it unsafe for your dog to swim. You may also want to check with your vet to ensure your dog is healthy enough for vigorous swimming exercise. Just like with your children, do not keep food, treats, or toys in the pool area when it is not in use.