BACKYARD POOL SAFETY

Most children who drown in a backyard pool do so not when swimming, but when walking or playing around a pool.

To protect children from pool-related injury in your backyard, follow the tips below:

RESTRICT AND CONTROL ACCESS TO WATER

Backyard pools should be surrounded on all four sides with a barrier (at least 1.2m or 4ft tall) that restricts access to the pool with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms at each entrance. Refrain from propping gates open or disabling alarms on doors that connect to pools or spas.

WITHIN ARMS REACH

Drowning is a silent killer and can happen in as little as 10 seconds. Parents and caregivers must be near (within arms reach) their children whenever they are near the water.

Get PROPERLY trained

Adults who are responsible for supervising children in or around water should be certified in CPR and basic water rescue.

Ensure you have lifejackets and emergency equipment, including a rescue buoy, first aid kit, and a phone in the immediate pool area. 

Clear toys and flotation devices away from the pool when not in use. Keep hazardous pool chemicals out of sight and reach from children. Make sure there are no items near the pool fence that would aid climbing. Maintain and repair pool fence and pool as necessary. Check local bylaw for region specific regulations.

Ensure everyone using your backyard pool follows the pool rules.