How Can I Safely Open the Pool?
Many of the nearly 300 children under 5 who drown each year could be saved if the pools were completely fenced in with self-closing and self-latching devices on gates. Anyone who has cared for a toddler knows how fast young children can move. In some southern or warm weather states, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under 5. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff has reviewed a great deal of data on drownings and child behavior, as well as information on pool and pool barrier construction. The staff concluded that the best way to reduce child drownings in pools is for pool owners to construct and maintain barriers that will help to prevent young children from gaining access to pools and spas.
Barriers
Barriers are not child proof, but they provide layers of protection for a child when there is a lapse in adult supervision. Barriers give parents additional time to find a child before the unexpected can occur. Barriers include a fence or wall, door alarms for the house, and a power safety cover over the pool. Use the following recommendations as a guide. Barrier Locations Barriers should be located so as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers.
Fences
A fence completely surrounding the pool is better than one with the house serving as the fourth side. Fences should be a minimum of 4 feet high, although fences 5 feet or higher are preferable. If the home serves as one side of the barrier install door alarms on all doors leading to the pool area. Make sure the doors have self-closing and self-latching devices or locks beyond the reach of children to prevent them from opening the door and gaining access to the pool.
Pool covers add another layer of protection and there are a wide variety of styles on the market. Keep pool covers well-maintained and make sure the control devices are kept out of the reach of children.
Access Control
Card and key fobs are the top solutions to add convenience while controlling access to swimming pools. Requiring proximity cards or badges to enter offers convenient access to members or residents while keeping strangers or unattended children out. This technology also offers facilities the opportunity to control the number of patrons allowed access at any given time, limiting the number to meet the CDC guidelines set by counties for limiting the spread of COVID 19.
As always, our goal is to protect your people and your property. If we can help you safely open you pool to enjoy this season, contact us anytime.