In July’s heat, a pool turns the backyard into an enjoyable place no matter the temperature. At the same time, pools pose a risk, particularly for toddlers. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum, “drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.”

Follow these steps to secure your pool to minimize the risk for your children and others in your neighborhood.

• Make sure your pool fence is at least four feet tall or taller, with self-closing and latching gates.
• If you have a spa, use a lockable safety cover over it.
• Install door alarms on any doors that lead directly to your pool.
• Use pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go in or near the pool.
• For extra security, consider a surface wave or underwater alarm to notify you if a child or pet falls in the pool.

During parties and gatherings, include these steps in your planning to keep children playing in the pool safe.

• Walk through basic pool safety tips with the children before the party starts – things such as no running near the pool, no hitting or kicking at each other, and no horseplay on the diving board.
• Have the adults take turns serving as the designated lifeguard to watch when children are in the pool.
• Check the pool or spa immediately if a child is missing.
• Make sure that you or someone in your family has basic CPR training

The best way to keep your children safe around a pool is to make sure they know how to swim. Even very small children can learn basic floating techniques. With just a little effort, you can do your best to keep your family safe and happy and swimming all summer.