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Backyard Pool: Always Supervise Children, Safety Commission Warns
CPSC Re-Issues Pool Safety Guidelines in Time for Summer
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PHILADELPHIA, June 12, 1996 -- During the hot summer days that lie ahead, many people will turn to swimming pools to cool off. Unfortunately, many swimmers are injured in pool-related accidents. Cheryl Gelber, Director of Liability at CIGNA Loss Control Services, offers the following tips to help prevent accidents in swimming pools open to the public:
- Surround swimming areas with a minimum four-foot-high, or higher if local codes require it, "child-proof" fence with a self-locking gate that is kept secured when the pool is not in use and a certified lifeguard is not present.
- Children's "kiddie" pools should be separated from regular pool operations by a fence.
- Post rules for the pool conspicuously and enforce them consistently. Do not allow boisterous play, toys, or surfboards in the pool.
- Walking surfaces in the swim area must be smooth, level, and slip-resistant.
- Clearly mark the deep end of the pool (more than five feet) either by a life line or a painted line contrasting with the pool bottom.
- The pool floor should be light in color to help identify objects in the pool.
- Plainly mark water depth in feet above the water level on the vertical pool wall and on the coping or deck next to the pool.
- Keep a throwing rope with attached life ring and other life saving equipment where it is easily accessible and have a certified lifeguard on duty at all times that the pool is open. Require qualified adult supervision for small children.
- Clean the pool each day and test water quality during the day at regular intervals determined by local pool codes.
- Pool lighting is required if the pool remains open after sunset.
- Ground fault interrupters should be present and tested monthly to help prevent electrical shock around the pool area.
- Keep a private, working telephone near the pool with a list of important telephone numbers, such as hospital and ambulance, readily accessible.
The term "CIGNA" refers to subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) operating as part of CIGNA Property & Casualty and licensed to offer insurance products and services. CIGNA Corporation itself is not an insurer and does not issue policies.
CONTACT: Dina Baker of CIGNA Property & Casualty, 215-761-2201
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