General Safety Tips

• Safety ropes or safety lines are used to section off part of the pool to prevent people from entering into the pool’s deep end. Safety lines are essentially long pieces of rope with floatable ends to keep it above water that are hooked on to the edges of a pool.
• Lifejackets and ring buoys are two important types of flotation devices commonly found around residential pools. Lifejackets should properly fit the person wearing it and be in a good and safe condition. Lifejackets should be tight fitting and not be able to slip off and should be approved by the Coast Guard.
• Ring buoys are round flotation devices that have a long rope or line attached. Ring buoys are used to retrieve someone from the water in the event of an emergency. They are available in different sizes and colors and should be approved by the Coast Guard to ensure they meet proper safety regulations.
• Reaching poles are another type of equipment that is pertinent for residential pool safety. Reaching poles should be of adequate length and put in a spot where they are easy to get to.
• Portable telephones are another important thing to have near a pool as time is crucial if an accident occurs. Posting numbers and your home’s address is important to ensure an emergency call is promptly placed and emergency vehicles can quickly find your home.
• First-aid kits are a must by any pool. First-aid kits should be constantly re-stocked and have all pertinent items needed for pool and other backyard emergencies.Finally, family members, friends, babysitters and everyone who enjoys your pool should seriously consider becoming certified in lifesaving practices CPR. YMCA and American Red Cross are two such organizations that provide such training.