Pools are a great way to cool off and have fun in the summer, but they also pose the risk of serious injury and death.

In fact, drowning in home pools is the leading cause of death for children under age 5.

“Never leave children unsupervised in your home pool,” said Paul Shipman, a spokesman for the American Red Cross. “If your children are at a friend’s or neighbor’s home pool, make sure there is supervision and, if you can, make sure the pool area is properly maintained and that proper safety equipment is on site.”

Pool owners also need to make sure their pools and the surrounding areas are secured with fencing and gates to prevent unsupervised access, including access to ladders on above-ground pools, Shipman said.

It’s also important to ensure chemicals are safely stored, and that pumps and drains are maintained properly.

The American Red Cross offers the following tips for pool safety:

• Surround your pool with a fence or barrier that is at least 4 feet high.

• Keep lifesaving equipment nearby, such as a first-aid kit, a cell phone and a life ring.

• Always have weak swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• Never allow children to run or play games near the pool.

• Remove pool toys from the pool when you’re not using it.

• Consider enrolling your children in a swim lesson program.

“It’s so important that you take some time to prepare and keep your summer fun safe,” Shipman said. “Know how to swim, teach your children to swim and know how to secure your pool area.”

The American Red Cross offers life safety training and has more information about pool safety, Shipman said.

For more information visit www.redcross.org or consider taking the online course available at www.homepoolsafety.org.

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Written by: Editor

Published: 26 July 2011