Tips to Help Keep Your Children Safe
​In and Around Your Pool!

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1. Supervise Closely: 
  • It may seem simple, but never leave children unattended in or near the pool.
  • Constant, focused adult supervision is key. Avoid distractions such as reading, using your phone, or consuming alcohol.
  • “Drowning can happen fast,” Dr. Coles says. “Stay vigilant at all times.”

2. Teach Swimming Skills:  
  • Enroll your children in swim lessons to help them develop basic swimming and water safety skills.
  • While swim lessons can reduce drowning risks, they don’t eliminate the need for active supervision.

3. Install Pool Fencing:  
  • A fence is one of the most effective tools for preventing pool accidents. It should be at least 4 feet high, with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
  • Ensure the latch is out of children’s reach and that there are no gaps in the fence that children can squeeze through.
  • Remove toys from the pool area when not in use to avoid attracting children, and consider installing a pool alarm to detect water disturbances.

4. Establish Pool Rules:  
  • No diving into shallow areas
  • No swimming alone
  • No running or roughhousing around the pool
  • Post these rules in a visible location and review them regularly, especially when guests are present.

5. Assign a Designated Water Watcher:  
  • During pool gatherings, designate a responsible adult to actively supervise children in or near the water.
  • Use a badge or label to clearly identify the water watcher, and ensure they remain free from distractions.

6. Avoid Dependence on Floaties:  
  • Do not rely on inflatable floaties as safety devices.
  • Use properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, particularly for young children and in natural water settings like lakes or oceans.

7. Practice Touch Supervision:  
  • For children under 5, an adult should always stay within arm’s reach, even if the child knows how to swim.
  • This is known as touch supervision and is essential for preventing accidents.

8. Learn CPR:  
  • Knowing CPR can save lives.
  • Take a certified CPR course through the American Red Cross, local hospitals, or community centers. Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.

With the right precautions, your pool can remain a safe and enjoyable place for family fun.
By staying vigilant and implementing these safety measures, you can protect your children while creating lasting summer memories.
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Arizona Childproofers specializes in making your pool area safer for children by implementing essential safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents and drownings. Their expert team can install durable pool fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates to deter unsupervised access.  Additionally, Arizona Childproofers provide personalized assessments of your pool area, identifying hidden hazards and recommending strategies tailored to your family’s needs. With their professional expertise, you can rest assured that your pool is a safe and enjoyable space for your children.  A pool fence is an extra layer of protection but is not a substitute for adult supervision.

Pool Safety: Keeping Kids Safe While Having Fun
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​When temperatures rise, a backyard pool can provide a fun and refreshing escape for kids. However, without proper safety measures, a pool can quickly become a danger zone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings in the U.S. each year.
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Young children are particularly at risk. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, with most incidents occurring in swimming pools. For children aged 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, following motor vehicle accidents.

Drowning can happen in seconds and often occurs silently, whether in a pool, lake, river, or ocean—particularly when children are unsupervised.

“Young children are naturally curious and love to explore, so it’s critical to keep a close eye on them around water and never leave them unsupervised,” says Robert Coles, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad. “Equally important is knowing how to respond in case of an emergency.”