Pools Rule, But There Are Rules!

With temperatures in the mid-eighties for many days lately many folks might have already jumped into the family or neighborhood pool for a quick dip.  If you haven't braved to beautiful blue waters yet, you might want to review whether you and the family know safety rules before you dive in.

The Home Safety Council has many great recommendations about things that you can do to add or improve safety at home or things to suggest to other facilities where you plan to bring your family.  Here are some of their recommendations:

If you have a pool or spa, install a fence that goes all the way around it. The fence should close and latch by itself. It should be least five feet high.

Always keep gates closed and latched. Never prop a gate open.

When children are in or near the water, a grownup should watch them very carefully. Do not take your eyes off them.

If you have a pool party, have grownups take turns watching the children at all times.

Enroll non-swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor.

Never swim alone. Even adults should swim with a buddy.

Learn how you would save someone in trouble. Learn First Aid and CPR. Make sure that anyone who cares for your children learns CPR.

Keep poolside rescue equipment and a cordless, water resistant telephone close to the pool area.

For more tips and suggestions, check out http://www.homesafetycouncil.org