Pool and Hot Tub Tips

Prevent Entrapment:

Pools that pose the greatest risk of entrapment are children’s public wading pools, in-ground hot tubs or any others pools that have flat drain grates and/or a single main drain system.

• Warn your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets.

• Never swim in a pool or hot tub that has a broken, loose or missing drain cover.

• Install protection to prevent entrapment if you own a pool or hot tub.

• For new pools or hot tubs, install multiple drains or use a no-drain circulation system.
  
  
• If you do have drains, protective measures include anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety vacuum release system to automatically release suction and shut down the pump should entrapment occur. Go to www.PoolSafety.gov for a list of manufacturers of certified covers.
  
  
• You can check with your pool operator to find out whether your pool or hot tub’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Prevent Drowning:

• Actively supervise your children around water at all times, and have a phone nearby to call for help in an emergency.

• Make sure your pool has four-sided fencing and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. In addition, hot tubs should be covered and locked when not in use.

• Install a door alarm, a window alarm or both to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised.

• From the start, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present.

• Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4 – typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.

• Learn CPR and know how to respond in water emergencies.