Swimming pool safety tips

If you want to make a splash with swimming pool safety, here are some tips. While pools and spas can be great fun, care must be taken to enjoy these water activities safely.

When it comes to safety, there is no substitute for the watchful eye of a caring adult or parent when small children are present in and around a pool. Because small children can drown in a matter of seconds in as little as two inches of water, always be sure to drain standing water from the surface of the pool and spa covers.

NSF International has put together a series of safety tips to help parents and families reduce the risk of drowning, injury or illness around the water:

•Establish and enforce sensible rules for pool and spa use. Children should never be allowed to run or play games near the pool.

•Keep electrical appliances, such as televisions and stereos, away from the pool or spa so they cannot be knocked into the water accidentally. Extension cords should never be used around pools.

•Never allow anyone to use the pool or spa unless the cover has been completely removed to ensure no one gets trapped under the cover.

•Install a barrier or pool alarm.

•Check with local building officials to ensure the fence and gate meet local codes. Most building codes require a minimum 48inch-high fence surrounding inground pools.

•Gates leading to the pool area should have a self-closing and selflatching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry.

•Take special care to evaluate the pool or spa for suction grates or intake fittings at the bottom of the pool or spa. Make sure the drain covers are NSF Certified to meet the newly-revised standard for preventing one's body parts, limbs and hair from becoming trapped.

•Always follow manufacturers' operating instructions for filters, chemical feeders and other equipment.

•In the event of threatening weather, especially thunderstorms, make sure everyone leaves the pool area and seeks shelter indoors.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.