Pool Safety Tips to Remember

Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) is reminding everyone that even though the summer is a time for fun and sun, it is important to keep an eye on a potentially dangerous summertime staple: the family swimming pool.

“We’ve all heard the tragic stories of young children drowning in their family pools,” Corbin said. “It can happen in the blink of an eye, so it is imperative that everyone with a small child knows the dos and don’ts of responsible pool-ownership.”

Do:

• Remove toys from the pool areas after use. These toys may tempt children to climb or lean into the pool area.
• Keep all doors and windows leading to the pool area locked to prevent children from getting to the pool.
• During social gatherings, appoint a “designated watcher” to protect children and prevent pool injuries.
• Make sure a telephone is located near the pool.
• Learn CPR!

Don’t leave children unattended:

• Not even for a few seconds
• Not to answer the telephone
• Not to answer the door
• Not to get something
• Not for anything!
• Not even with a floatation device as a substitute for supervision.

Most young children who drown in backyard pools walk out of their houses and fall into their pools. A fence that completely surrounds the pool and separates it from the house could prevent a child from drowning. The fence should have gates that self-close and a self-latch installed higher than a child’s reach.