Today was the most gorgeous day. Warm and 80′s. We opened our in-ground pool and our girls couldn’t stop squealing! ”POOL! POOL! POOL!” There’s nothing kids like better on a hot day than to spend it in a swimming pool. I swear I can remember one of Sophia’s first words was “POOL!” Yep, right after “Mama” and right before “Dada”. Shhhh… Don’t tell Ed.
But of course, as you know, it isn’t all fun and games. Having a pool is HUGE responsibility, especially with little ones.
Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4?
If you have a few minutes, please read this press release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from last year.
Sobering, isn’t it?
While we made it a priority for our girls to take swimming lessons, the fact is that really isn’t enough. Even kids that can swim tolerably well can still drown, right? I’m not taking that chance with my kids, and I know you don’t want to take that chance with yours.
Okay, I think we all know that we aren’t ever to let our babies out of sight when they are in or around a pool or spa. But, all it takes is a short lapse in adult supervision for the tragic to happen.
“To reduce the risk of drowning, pool owners should adopt several layers of protection, including physical barriers.”
So, what does that mean? What child proofing items do you need?
1. A fence completely surrounding the pool with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access by young children.
2. If the house forms a side of the barrier, use alarms on doors leading to the pool area and/or a power safety cover over the pool.
Okay, so a fence and an alarm at the very least. Let’s talk about pool alarms first.
Pool Alarms:
Pool alarms are easy to install and reasonably light on the wallet. There are underwater and floating/surface alarms.
The Underwater Alarm we liked is the Poolguard by PBM Industries which ranging from around $169.95 for an above ground pool alarm, to $249.95 for an inground pool alarm. This model is highly recommended (and tested!) by the CPSC. They also have a gate alarm which is $69.95.
Poolguard
The Sentinel LINK from Lambo Products Inc. also scored highly.
The Floating/Surface Alarm we liked was the Swim Alert by MG International – Immersion Sensing Pool Alarm System – SWIM007. Good Housekeeping went to Olympic Pool and Spa in Flanders, New Jersey and used its indoor pool site to test the pool alarms. Not only did this model pass their tests, but it also automatically rearms after water calms. It’s priced around $179.95.
Swim Alert ~ MG International
“Pool alarms can be used as an extra safeguard, but should never be relied upon as the only line of defense in preventing a child from drowning in your pool,” said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. “The keys to preventing these tragedies are placing barriers around your pool, closely supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency.”
Fences:
OK, now what about fences?
For inground pools, we like this removable Protect-A-Pool mesh safety fence.
Prices varies widely, depending on the size of your inground pool.
For above-ground pools, we like this fencing from Poolcenter.com priced at $179.95:
Above Ground Pool Safety Fence
Lastly, here are some important tips, courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
1. Since every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool first. Precious time is often wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool.
2. Don’t leave toys and floats in the pool that can attract young children and cause them to fall in the water when they reach for the items.
3. Inspect pools and spas for missing or broken drain covers.
4. Do not allow children in a pool or spa with missing/broken covers. Inserting an arm or leg into the opening can result in powerful suction and total body submersion/drowning.
5. For above-ground and inflatable pools with ladders, remove or secure the ladder when the pool is not in use.
6. It is important to always be prepared for an emergency by having rescue equipment and a phone near the pool. Parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
With that said, happy shopping for your pool safety items.
And have yourself some safe family fun pool time this summer!
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