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Pools

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 9:06 AM

The Facts

• Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years of age.
• Backyard pools continue to be the #1 setting where children under 5 years of age most often drown
• Most of these victims are alone - often during a momentary absence or lapse of supervision
• For half of private pool fatalities there was either no gate (29%) or the gate was neither self-closing nor self-latching (22%)
• Children aged 1 to 4 are most at risk because they are mobile, curious and require continuous supervision by an adult

Setup a safe backyard pool environment

Check List:

Adult Supervision

• Adults must be present and close to the pool, ready to assist at any moment
• Adults must stay within sight and reach of children when in and around the pool
• Do not allow any distraction to interfere with constant supervision
• Wear lifejackets - children should wear lifejackets when around the pool if they are under 5 or if they are not strong swimmers (no matter what age)

Pool Fence

• Build a 4-sided pool fence, which prevents access to the pool from the home
• Check with your local municipality to find out what by-law requirements will apply to your property

Self-closing and self-latching gates

• Pool gate should be fully closed at all times
• Gate should automatically close and latch itself with release mechanism at the top of the gate, out of reach of small children

Safety Equipment

• Safety equipment such as a flotation ring should be poolside and easily accessible
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim

Resources:

Parachute Canada - Preventing Injuries. Saving Lives
Brochure - Protect Your Family by the Pool
How to Choose a Lifejacket