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Aquatic activities, swimming, and spa use can be healthy and fun for the whole family if care is taken to enjoy swimming-related activities safely. Unfortunately, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 300 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools each year and thousands more are injured.
However, there are many actions adults can take to help reduce the risk of drowning, injury, or illness. NSF shares the following ten tips for water safety:
- Small children require constant adult supervision. There is no substitute for the watchful eye of caring adults and family members.
- Don't allow anyone to swim alone. Make sure you know if any of the individuals using your pool, especially children, are non-swimmers. If any members of your household are non-swimmers, help them to learn to swim. The American Red Cross offers a unique Learn to Swim program for non-swimmers of all ages.
- Don't allow kids to run or play games near the pool. Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheeled toys, away from pools, as children playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
- If you have a many small children swimming, limit the number of toys and inflatable items in the pool. These items can obstruct your view of the pool's bottom as well as of small children.
- Keep electrical appliances, such as televisions and stereos, away from the pool or spa so that they won't be knocked into the water accidentally.
- Consider installing a certified barrier or pool alarm certified to NSF/ANSI 50 to help prevent unauthorized persons from entering your pool or spa. Wristband alarms are also available to alert parents if a child should accidentally fall into the water.
- If a drain cover is missing or broken, shut down the pool, spa, or hot tub until the cover is replaced. Don't allow anyone to ever play with or remove a drain cover. Make sure your drain covers are designed to meet the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (ASME A112.19.8) for preventing body, limbs, and hair from becoming trapped. A list of NSF certified drain covers is available online.
- Make sure an emergency shut-off switch for the pump is installed nearby and that it is easily accessible. Everyone should know where these switches are located and how to use them.
- Ensure your pool and/or spa is properly sanitized and maintained. Use pool treatment chemicals safely and always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions shown on the label. Store chemicals in a cool, dry area out of the reach of children.
- Check local building codes to ensure the fence surrounding your pool meets minimum type and height requirements. Gates leading to the pool area should have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry.
For more information about pool safety or to obtain a list of certified pool equipment that can help make your pool safer, visit the recreational water safety section or call the NSF Consumer Affairs Office at 800-673-8010.
