With summer fast approaching, we thought we’d take the opportunity to talk about pool safety.  Here are some general tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that you can use to prevent injury:

• While barriers are not childproof, they can provide a layer of protection for a child who may wander away
• Installing a fence or barrier around the pool that is at least four feet high may help prevent injury
  • Vertical fence slats should be less than four inches apart to prevent someone from squeezing through
  • Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching, and the gate should be well maintained to close and latch easily
    • Door alarms may be helpful in alerting guardians when a door is unexpectedly opened
• Pools that are above ground should have steps and ladders that are secured and locked when the pool isn’t in use
• Children should not be near a pool unsupervised
• Have rescue equipment nearby in the event of an emergency
• Consider learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation

You can read more about pool safety directly from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the San Gabriel Fire Department at 626.308.2880.