Polk Township Vol. Fire Dept.

Pool Safety


Once again, the traditional Memorial Day weekend kicked off the swimming season. The pool covers were removed and the cleanup begins. Everyone knows that getting a pool ready for summer isn't cheap and is a lot of hard work. But the paybacks are refreshing! But, as much fun as a pool can be, it can also be very dangerous; especially for young children.

Frightening Statistics

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) states that there are over 300 drownings of children each year in residential swimming pools. In addition, each year 2,000 young children are treated in hospital emergency rooms nationwide for submersion injuries such as brain damage.

In fact, CPSC Chairman Ann Brown says:

Supervision is key to preventing a child from drowning in what is a silent death that happens very quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the telephone. Most of the young victims are missing from sight for less than just five minutes.

Pool Safety Tips

  • Put a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high around the pool. Make sure that the fence has no footholds or handholds. All gates should be self-locking , self-closing with the latches high enough out of children's reach. Inspect the hinges and latches to make sure they work properly.

  • Install an approved safety cover.

  • Lock all the windows and doors that lead from the house to the pool.

  • Install approved exit alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool.

  • Keep furniture away from pool fence. Kids can use it to climb over the fence.

  • Lock screen doors and doggie doors.

  • Talk to your neighbors about their pool safety. Remember children wander to neighbor kids houses too.

  • Empty wading pools when not in use. Remember children can drown in as little as two inches of water.

  • Learn and practice CPR and life saving skills.

  • Do not leave children unattended in a pool. Let the phone ring. It takes only a few seconds for a child to drown.

  • Use approved flotation devices.

How to get more info

CPSC offers consumers two free publications to help prevent child drownings.

CPSC362
"Safety Barrier Guidelines For Pools"
CPSC359
"How To Plan For The Unexpected"

You can request copies of the publications by sending your name and address to :

"Pool Safety"
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207

If a child is missing, check the pool first!

Remember every second counts!

Watch your children!


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John D. Einhorn
Sources: CPSC