SHORT LIST

Danger Under the Surface

After a long and dreary winter in many parts of the country, children and adults alike will be anxious to open up their swimming pools once again.

But homeowners with pools should be wary backyard pool drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children (those under the ages of 5 are most at risk). Here are some statistics to keep in mind:

300 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools each year.

69% of those children were not expected to be in or near the pool, but were found drowned or submerged in the water.

77% of the accident victims had been missing for five minutes or less when they were found in the pool.

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors offer these critical safety tips for pool owners:

Vigilance by the caregiver is critical.
Children cannot be left unattended near the pool even for a brief time
(most drownings occur even when the parents are supervising).
Install a physical barrier system around the pool area.
A fence or gate should be at least 4 feet tall and vertical openings should be spaced no more than 4 inches apart so that a child cannot squeeze through.
Do not leave toys in the pool or deck that will entice children (keep them in a bin in a separate area).
Install an automatic safety cover over your pool.
Invest in a water disturbance alarm (designed to sound if a water disturbance is detected such as a child falling into the pool).
Keep an emergency telephone by the poolside.
Have basic rescue equipment easily accessible and in working order, such as a rescue hook or throw float.

Ensure your pool is safe and you and your family can enjoy the summer months well-protected and accident-free.

For more information, visit www.pillartopost.com.