As the temperatures rise, many families escape to their swimming pools, local splash parks, or the community pool to cool off during the summer months. While spending the day by the pool can be both fun and relaxing, it’s important to stay alert and follow these safety tips to keep your family out of harm’s way:

• Supervise children. Always supervise children when they are in or near the water. It only takes a second for a child to slip and fall into a pool, so it’s important to stay close by and keep constant watch. For added protection, have young and inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Keep life-saving equipment close by. In case of an emergency, it’s important to have life-saving equipment like life preservers and first aid kits in an easily-accessible location by the pool.
• Take swimming lessons. Learning how to properly swim will not only make your pool and beach visits more enjoyable, it can also save your life. Consider enrolling your family in swimming lessons offered by your local Parks and Recreation Department or other certified facility.
• Secure your pool with a fence and alarm. If you have a private swimming pool, be sure to install the appropriate fence and alarm system to keep unsupervised children playing nearby away from the water. Pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot high fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. An alarm system will also alert you when anyone enters the fence or goes into the pool.
• Maintain a clean pool. Avoid certain illnesses by maintaining clean pool water. Skim off debris like leaves and insects, and regularly test and adjust pool water chemicals as necessary.
• Secure drain covers. The drains at the bottom of pools often have powerful suctions that can be dangerous when children or inexperienced swimmers get too close. Make sure all your drain covers meet safety standards, and teach children to stay away from them while swimming.

The information listed above was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. AAA South Jersey, its affiliates and employees assume no liability in connection with the information or suggestions. The recommendations provided are general in nature; there may be additional safety procedures available that are not referenced on this webpage