Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Your pool and/or spa will no doubt be a source of fun and relaxation for you, your family, and friends this summer.

To help everybody further enjoy their pool and spa, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people of some common safety practices and offers the following safety tips:

* Install a safety enclosure around the pool with self-locking gates. Protect the pool from access by small children and animals.

* Supervise children at all times when they are in the pool enclosure. It only takes a second for a child to slip into the water unnoticed.

* Have rescue equipment available like throw rings, life hooks, and a first aid kit. If an accident happens, there may not be time to look for needed safety equipment.

* Learn CPR and have CPR signs up to remind you of the procedures. Learning and keeping up with CPR procedures can save lives.

* Teach children to swim. Teaching your children to swim is the best thing to do for them if you own a pool. It will be a lifelong benefit.

* Never swim alone. There is no guarantee that you will not need help. Even good swimmers need help occasionally. Don’t swim in an inadequately lighted pool at night. You should be able to see all pool walls and the bottom clearly when swimming to prevent an accident or to see someone in trouble.

* Protect children against access to pool or spa equipment. Chemicals, electrical circuits, and moving equipment can cause serious injury to any child.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people that these are a few ways in which to ensure safe use and operation of a pool or spa. There is no substitution for common sense and being informed when it comes to safety.