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Backyard Swimming Pool Safety

by Mark A. Brandenburg, MD

There is no greater way to cool off on a hot afternoon than to jump
into a refreshing pool. But the dangers of swimming pools cannot be
overlooked. Over 350 children less than 5 years of age drown in swimming
pools. Approximately 90 percent of child drownings involve swimming pools
and 60-70 percent occurs in ground level residential pools. And it is not
just your own pool that can be dangerous. About 50 percent of child
drownings occur in the backyard pools of neighbors, family members or friends.

If you have an infant, toddler or preschooler at home, a home swimming
pool is dangerous. And it's not just in-ground pools that are hazardous.
Yes, aboveground pools are much safer because access is easier to control,
but they are still hazardous to unsupervised children. If you are thinking
about building a pool in your backyard, consider the risks to the young
children around you. My recommendation- wait until your child is at least
six years old and has taken formal swimming lessons. Then, if you still want
a pool- go for it. Just be sure to learn the important safety rules.

Fences

A fence around your pool is a critical factor in drowning prevention.
Pools without fences are much more dangerous because access to unsupervised
children cannot be controlled. Several features on your fence must be present
to make it an effective barrier.

*First and foremost, surround the pool completely with a wooden fence at
least five feet high.

*Have your fence built so the vertical slats are no greater than
three-and-a-half inches apart.

*Install a self-closing and self-latching gate. Be sure the latch is no less
than 54" from the ground and faces the pool. This will prevent an exploring
toddler from reaching up and disengaging it.

*Never let the back of your house lead directly to the pool. I know of one
toddler who crawled through a pet-door and nearly drowned in a backyard pool.
Other points of exit from a house are doors and windows. If your home leads
directly to the pool area without a fence in between, be certain the doors
and windows remain secure at all times to ensure that your exploring toddler
does not venture out when you aren't looking. And as soon as possible,
construct a fence in between your pool and house.

Pool Rules

Teaching Safety Whether you belong to a local swim club or have a pool in
your own backyard, your older child will probably be splashing away once the
summer heat arrives. Begin teaching the tenants of water safety as early as
possible; and be patient and persistent. You will no doubt recite the safety
rules to her many times before they sink in. Follow the important poolside
safety rules listed below.

*Always, always, always supervise your child. Never leave an infant, toddler
or preschooler alone while in or near a pool. Some parents who know this
rule forget it when the doorbell or telephone rings- this is precisely the
moment that many child drownings occur. Remember that it takes less than 30
seconds for a child to drown.

*Keep a telephone and important phone numbers at the poolside.

*When your pool is not in use, put toys and floatation devices away, so they
will not attract young children to the water. Keep the pool grounds free of
toys, tricycles, wagons and debris when not being used- they can also entice
young children into the area.

*Keep the pool grounds well lighted at night.

*Always close and latch the gate when coming and going onto the pool grounds.

*Keep the essential rescue items near the pool at all times (i.e. life
preserver, buoy and shepherd's hook).

*Take a CPR course and stay up-to-date on rescue techniques so you will
always be prepared to save a young life.

*Never let your child swim alone, even when she is older.

*Don't allow running on the pool grounds.

*Restrict diving to the diving board and only into the deep end of the pool.
At least eight feet of water is necessary for safe diving.

*Never allow diving into aboveground pools.

*Don't allow roughhousing (i.e. dunking, pushing or wrestling) on the pool
grounds.

*Never allow swimming at night, in rainy weather or in thunderstorms.

Pool Maintenance

Certain methods of maintaining and covering your pool can also be
dangerous to children. Follow these tips for added child safety.

*Store all cleaning chemicals in a locked location. High concentrations of
chlorine gas can be produced when these chemicals are mixed with water. If
inhaled, chlorine gas can cause rapid damage to the lungs and airway of a
child.

*Always keep children far away from the pool when adding chemicals.

*Place a sturdy cover over your pool in the off season.

*Don't let water accumulate on the cover. A young toddler can drown in the
small amounts of water that collect on a soft cover.

*Be sure to secure the cover on all sides and corners so a child cannot slip
beneath it.

Baby Pools

A baby pool can be a very safe alternative for your child but it's important
to recognize the dangers. Baby pools also pose a risk of drowning to
infants, so close supervision is still a must. Truth is, they are best
suited for older toddlers and only under close supervision.

*Never place a baby pool inside the fence of an adult pool. A young child
could easily wander from a baby pool over to the big pool during a brief
lapse of supervision.

*Always empty your baby pool as soon as you are through using it.

*Store a baby pool upside down to dry. Just be aware that an unsupervised
infant could crawl beneath and get trapped.

Inflatable Swimming Aids

Flotation devices tend to give parents a false sense of security. They
are not substitutes for close supervision. Toddlers can also become
overconfident if they wear floatation devices. I once treated a three-year-old named Ryan who nearly drowned in a neighbor's pool after boldly jumping in. When I asked him what happened, he sadly replied, "I forgot to wear my floaties". Poor Ryan not only experienced a life-threatening event, but he thought it was his fault. Remember there is usually nothing inherently bad in such toys, as long as they are not used in lieu of close supervision.

*Do not be lulled into thinking your child can swim unsupervised just because
he is wearing a life jacket, water wings or a water ring.

*When your child is in the water be sure you are always within arms reach,
even if he is wearing an inflatable swimming aid. The wonderful truth is that every year millions of children safely splash the summer months away in private and public swimming pools across the country. Follow these basic rules and you will help ensure that the children in your life always enjoy safe swimming. There's plenty more to know about swimming safety and drowning prevention,
and it is covered thoroughly in CHILD SAFE. Hope everybody has an enjoyable
and safe summer.

Dr. Brandenburg is a full-time emergency physician at the Trauma Emergency Center of St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK. He is author of the book, CHILD SAFE- A Practical Guide for Preventing Childhood Injuries (Crown Publishers).