What’s not to love about a backyard pool?
Dipping your toes in the water on a hot day? Floating around on an inflatable raft with an icy cold drink and a book? Laying in the sun while your kids splash and play (ideally without fighting for three seconds)?
YES PLEASE.
There are tons of reasons why backyard pools are a blast…and with the pandemic shutting down many of our local splash pads and swimming pools, they are more popular than ever. (Try looking for a baby pool online right now – I dare ya!) No matter the size of your pool – from an in-ground with a diving board to a baby pool with a few inches of water – there’s always the risk of drowning, and ALWAYS the need to remain constantly vigilant. 
Keep your family, friends and neighbors safe by making sure you follow these suggestions from Pool Safely:
- Never Leave a Child Unattended in the Water. Yes, it’s tempting to zone out while your kids are having fun. It’s tempting to make a phone call, check email or pick up the kitchen “real quickly”. Here’s the thing: Kids can drown in just minutes. The time it takes to run inside for a bathroom break is long enough for a child to struggle. Commit to watching the water, or make sure you designate another responsible adult. Consider hiring a lifeguard to help at pool parties if you think you’ll be distracted.
- Keep a Phone Nearby. Just in case you need to call for help, you should always have a phone handy and accessible.
- Teach Children to Stay Away from Drains. Hair, limbs, jewelry or bathing suits can all get stuck in drains or suction openings. Teach children what drains look like and how to stay away from them. Never enter a pool that’s missing a drain cover – powerful suction from a pool or spa drain can even trap an adult.
- Make Sure to Install Proper Barriers. It may seem obvious, but make sure your pool has barriers in place to prevent access. Ideally your pool should have layers of protection – a locked fence, an alarm, a self-latching gate and a pool cover.
- Learn CPR. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure you know CPR in case of emergency. Bystanders are often the first to reach a victim and knowing CPR could save someone’s life in an emergency. CPR classes are taught regularly through hospitals and community centers.
For more information on keeping your pool safe, visit Pool Safely or Safe Kids.