| Privately owned swimming pools are very popular in | | | | indoors or closely supervised by an adult at all times. |
| the United States, particularly in warmer states like | | | | Even if you do not intend to have young people over, it |
| Florida. It is true that sharing a day in the water can be | | | | is very common for neighborhood kids to trespass on |
| an enjoyable pastime for families. Sadly, this popular | | | | others' property, especially when there is a tempting |
| activity also has a tragic downside. Pools can be very | | | | attraction. Keep your pool covered, locked, and fenced |
| dangerous, particularly if the people around them do | | | | in when it is not in use. |
| not follow basic safety rules. | | | | Make sure at least one of the adults providing |
| People under 18 are especially at risk for drowning | | | | supervision knows how to perform CPR. Ideally, |
| accidents and other water-related injuries. The US | | | | everyone should know this potentially life-saving skill, of |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated | | | | course. If no one in your household has learned it yet, |
| that over 3,000 children require treatment in | | | | you may want to look into community college courses |
| emergency rooms every year for such accidents. | | | | or other educational opportunities in your area. |
| After children under the age of five, teenagers are at | | | | If you have a diving board, make sure your guests use |
| the highest risk for such occurrences. Statistically, this | | | | it correctly. Diving should only be done off of a board, |
| is especially true for males of this age. | | | | over a suitably deep part of the pool. Do not allow |
| If you plan on spending time in the water this year, it is | | | | jumping off the side of the board, from the side of the |
| very important to know and follow some basic safety | | | | pool, or into an unsuitably shallow area. |
| protocol. Make sure your children understand these | | | | Observe property behavior around the water. This |
| rules as well. It only takes a moment for a serious | | | | means no running, as it is easy to slip in puddles or on |
| accident to occur. | | | | slick tiles. If you decide to play games, make sure they |
| Important Tips to Keep in Mind | | | | are reasonably safe ones. |
| Some of the most important rules to bear in mind | | | | Accidental drownings are preventable. However, to |
| include: | | | | reduce the rate of these tragic incidences, people |
| Never leave a pool unguarded. If you invite children | | | | must be committed to adequate safety practices. |
| over to visit your home, make sure they are either | | | | |