Swimming Pool Safety Alert

Consumer Product Safety Alert
FROM THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20207
Swimming Pool Safety Alert
Each year, about 260 children under 5 drown in swimming pools. In addition, the suction from drains in
swimming pools and spas, under certain conditions, can entrap swimmers underwater. To help protect
your family, be sure to take the following steps.
Use Layers of Protection
To prevent swimming pool drownings, layers of
protection are essential. Place barriers completely
around the pool, closely supervise young children,
and be prepared in case of emergency.
In addition:
o
If a child is missing, always look first in the
pool. Seconds count !
o
Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child
drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a
substitute for supervision.
Pool and Spa Entrapment Dangers
o
Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to
the pool.
o
Never use a pool or spa with a missing
o
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer,
o
Install physical barriers around the pool to limit
safer drain cover is in place. The new
access.
drain covers are usually domed-shaped
-
Fences and walls should be at least
– instead of the old flat drain covers.
4-feet high and installed completely
o
Consider installing a Safety Vacuum
around the pool.
Release System (SVRS) , a device that
-
Gates should be self-closing and
will automatically shut off a pump if a
self-latching. The latch should be out
blockage is detected.
of reach of small children.
o
Have a professional regularly inspect
o
If your house forms one side of the barrier for
your pool or spa for entrapment or
the pool, doors leading from the house to the
entanglement hazards.
pool should be protected with alarms that
o
Plainly mark the location of the electrical
sound when the doors are unexpectedly
cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.
opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a
o
If someone is entrapped against a drain,
motor-powered barrier placed over the water
cut off the pump immediately. Instead of
area, to prevent access by young children.
trying to pull the person away from the
o
For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to
powerful suction, pry a hand between the
the pool should be secured or removed when
drain and the person’s body to break the
the pool is not in use.
seal.
For more information, please visit CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov, or call the CPSC Hotline at
(800) 638-2772.