Keck Insurance Agency News

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY

July 28, 2008 02:01:42 PM

Keck Insurance Agency of Temecula hopes that everyone has a fun and safe summer. And to help everyone stay safe we have some tips for staying safe around the pool...

Each year about 260 children under the age of 5 years old drown in swimming pools. In addition, the suction from drains in swimming pools and spas, under certain conditions, can entrap swimmers underwater. To help protect your family around the pool, be sure to take the following steps:

Use Layers of Protection

To prevent swimming pool drowning, layers of protection are essential. Place barriers completely around the pool, closely supervise young children and be prepared in case of an emergency.

In addition:
- If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds Count!!
- Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
- Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.
- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (CPR)
- If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Also, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area to prevent access by young children.
- For aboveground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
- Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access.
- Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool.
- Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.

Pool and Spa Entrapment Dangers:

Never use a pool or spa with a missing drain cover. Be sure a newer safer drain cover is in place. New covers are usually dome-shaped, not flat.

Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System, a device that automatically shuts off the pump when blockage is detected.

Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.

Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.

If someone is entrapped against the drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of pulling the person away from the pump, pry a hand between the drain and the person’s body to break the seal.

For more information, please visit:
www.rvcfire.org/opencms/yoursafety/drowning_is_preventable.html

Again Keck Insurance Agency in Temecula wishes you a fun and safe summer!!!

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