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Backyard pools are a great way to beat the heat during the summer months. While they can make for fun-filled afternoons spending time with friends and family, backyard pools can also present health and safety dangers. Considering that drowning can take as little as 10 seconds, it’s important to establish and follow a set of safety rules when you have a backyard pool.
Follow these reminders when you are swimming or hanging out around a backyard pool:
Pool Rules for Everyone:
- Never swim alone
- Alcohol & swimming don’t mix
- Never swim during a thunderstorm
- Never use the pool when you cannot see the bottom of the entire pool
- Don’t dive into shallow water
- Never dive into an above ground pool
- Always walk, never run on the pool deck
- Swim only during daylight hours
Pool Rules for Children:
- An adult should supervise children whenever they are swimming or near the pool
- Adults that are supervising should be trained in:
- Basic water rescue
- First Aid, including how to call 911 during an emergency
- The Life Saving Society recommends a minimum of Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid training for all backyard pool supervisors
- The supervising adult should always keep children who cannot swim within arm’s reach
- Safety equipment like life jackets or water wings can provide extra protection but does not replace the requirement for adult supervision
Important Pool Safety Equipment
In an emergency, every second counts! Always keep these items near your pool and easily accessible:
- Phone and emergency phone numbers
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle or other sound signalling device
- Reaching pole
- Ring buoy
- Buoy line between shallow and deep end of the pool
- Sunscreen
- Pool chemicals should be stored in a secure location
Don’t forget to check the condition of all equipment regularly to ensure that it’s in good working order.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can print off a Pool Safety Checklist and get more information on pool fence bylaws from the City of Kitchener: Backyard pool safety | City of Kitchener
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