This summer, with our public pools closed due to the coronavirus, many families have added inflatable pools to their backyards. We want to share some safety information with you to ensure your pool time doesn’t turn tragic:
- Only allow children to be near pools when an adult is present to supervise.
- Empty wading pools immediately after use.
- The safest option is to place the pool inside a fenced-in area of the yard, preferably isolation fencing around the pool only. The fencing should be non-climbable, at least 4 feet high, have self-closing and self-latching gates that open away from the pool and not have any spaces between uprights that are more than four inches wide.
- Research and install pool safety devices like alarms and gate locks.
- Have children take swimming lessons and learn about water safety.
- Adults should learn and practice CPR so they can assist in an emergency.
Really we cannot stress enough that children should never swim alone or only with other kids. An adult should be present and actively supervising. More pool safety tips are available at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website or email fireprevention@oak-park.us.