How to Make the Pool Safe for the Little Kids

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 800 to 900 children drown annually in the United States. The drowning rate is highest amongst kids who are one to four years old. With this, if you have a swimming pool at home, it is important to make the safety of the kids your priority, which will be possible by keeping in mind the things that will be mentioned below.

Install a Fence

One of the easiest solutions is to install a physical barrier that will keep the children out of the pool when they are unsupervised by adults. You need to have a four-sided fence with a minimum height of at least four feet, which will take quite a while for the kids to outgrow. The fence should be made of strong materials, making sure that they won’t be easily knocked off. There should be latches that the children cannot reach so that they cannot accidentally open the gate.

Install an Alarm

Similar to a fence, a swimming pool alarm will also be an effective way to protect the kids from any pool accidents. The alarms can exist in different forms. For instance, they can be attached in the doors to immediately warn parents if kids are able to get out. Some alarms are floating and submerged in the pool, which will automatically make a sound when kids get in the pool.

Keep Toys Away from the Pool

If the pool is not used, it would be best to get rid of the toys on the water. If there is a float in the pool, this can tempt the kids to run to the water and play with the toy. On the other hand, when the toys are hidden from sight, there is a lesser likelihood that they will be tempted to get to the pool.

Invest in the Right Pool

If budget permits, an inground pool is recommended as it is sturdy and safe. An above ground pool can prove to be a cheaper alternative, but the problem with the latter is that it can compromise the safety of the little ones. There are above ground pools with soft sides that can make the children prone to accident. If you are using an above ground pool, it is important that you also use a top-rated swimming pool ladder that will make it easy for kids to get in and out. When the pool is not used, it will be best to keep the ladder away so that kids will not be tempted to get in the pool. There are also many inflatable and portable pools that can be unsafe for the little ones.

Be Watchful

At the end of the day, this is perhaps the most important thing that parents can do. You need to be vigilant. Keeping a watchful eye is your best defense against accidents. Do not let the kids play in the pool without an adult around, even if they know how to swim. There should always be a designated adult to take charge, specifically one who knows how to swim and provide first aid in case of drowning.

REFERENCES:
https://time.com/5309870/how-keep-kids-safe-pools/

https://www.livescience.com/54786-tips-for-keeping-kids-safe-in-swimming-pools.html