How to Make Your Pool Safe for Children and Pets

Last summer, seven children drowned in Tucson pools.  Pool safety experts say drowning is 100 percent preventable.

Here are some steps you can take to make your pool safe and prevent drownings:

1. Surround your pool with a permanent fence that is at least five feet high. This is required by law in Tucson. The fence should have a child safety gate that can only be opened by older children and adults.

2. Maintain the fence and gate. Check for and repair pool fence gaps or spaces created by erosion or damage. Check the fence and gate at least monthly.

3. Keep the pool gate shut at all times. NEVER prop it open or partially close the latch.

4. Remove items leaning against the fence. Young children and pets may be tempted to use anything that looks like stairs or a climbing aid, so never leave anything – including patio furniture, landscape boulders, or toys – leaning against the fence.

5. Cover the poolside deck with a non-slip surface.

6. Keep the pool tidy. Always remove toys, floats, and noodles from the pool so  young children are not enticed into the water.

7. Provide and require life jackets. Any child under 3 should wear a life jacket in the pool. Older children who do not know how to swim should also be in one unless under the direct supervision of a responsible person.

8. Teach children about pool safety and how to swim.

9. Designate a “child watcher” when children are playing in or near the pool. 

10. If a child or pet is suddenly out of sight, always check the pool first. Drowning can occur in minutes, without any splashing or noise whatsoever. If they are drowning, every second counts, so check the pool first.

11. Keep pool chemicals locked away. Children and pets might be attracted to highly poisonous pool chemicals.

12. Learn CPR and keep a phone near the pool. In the case of an emergency, immediately call 911.

And remember to always be vigilant when children are around water. Children drown in bath tubs and buckets too.