Pool Safety
Did You Know?
• Ten people die from drowning each day in the United States.
• Many children drown in backyard swimming pools and in
small kiddie pools.
• Children between ages one and four are most at risk for drowning.
• Most young children who drown have been out of their parent's
sight for less than five minutes.
• Three out of ten deaths in children aged one to four are caused by
drowning.
• For every child who dies from drowning, another four are rushed
to the emergency room for near drowning.
• When victims nearly drown, their brains are deprived of oxygen,
which can cause damage. Brain damage can affect a person's
ability to function.
Drowning Prevention
• Children can drown in just a few inches of water.
• A child younger than five years of age should always be within arm's reach when in or near water.
• Teach older children to always swim with a buddy, never swim alone and don't push or jump on others.
• Never leave children of any age alone in or near the water. A tragedy can occur within seconds. If you must leave, even for a second, take your children with you.
• Children who drown, often slip under the water without making any noise. Be watchful all of the time.
• When the pool is not in use, take toys out of the pool to remove temptation.
• Empty your pool cover.
• Keep a first aid kit stocked and available near the pool.
• Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 and how to get help in an emergency. Make sure children know their address.
• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around water is to learn to swim.
• Obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Other Dangers
Thunder? Lightning? Get out of the pool to avoid being struck.
What To Do If You See Someone Drowning
• If the water is shallow, pull the victim to safety. In deep water:
• If a victim is within reaching distance, assist her by extending something long, such a rope, a pole or a noodle.
• If a victim is within towing distance, throw him a floatable object, such as a life jacket or a ring buoy attached to a line.
• If you must enter the water to assist someone, take a flotation device large enough to carry two people safely. Keep the device between you and the person in distress. Even a child can put an adult at risk in deep water.
• Call 9-1-1. It is a good idea to keep a cordless phone in the pool area in case of emergency.
• Once the victim is out of the water, if he is not breathing, perform CPR. Do so only if you are certified.
Pool Safety Laws
• NYS Building Code regulations require that all residential
swimming pools installed, constructed or substantially modified
after 12/14/06 be equipped with an approved pool alarm.
• All pools must be surrounded by a fence that is at least four
feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate .
• Gates must be self-latching. The latch must be inside the
pool area and at least 40 inches above the ground. The gate
should be locked when the pool is not in use.
• Lifesaving devices and a first aid kit must be kept near all pools.
Learn CPR,.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves lives. If you perform CPR on a drowning victim while waiting for an ambulance to arrive, you might save a life or greatly improve the outcome for that victim. To become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), contact Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-853-5800 for dates and locations of classes or contact your local Fire Department.