Play It Safe Around Water

Swimming is great exercise and an activitiy that the whole family can enjoy. But along with all the fun should come a focus on water and swimming safety.

"Make water safety a priority," says Jack Cergol, chief staff executive for the National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI). "Swimming, water recreation and water sports are excellent and healthy family activities and these safety tips provide layers of protection, so everyone can play it safe in and around water."

NSPI's Water Safety Tips:

1. Supervision -- Constant adult supervision is the primary precaution for which there is no substitute. Never take your eyes off a child when he or she is in or near a body of water, not even for a second. All other safety precautions should be used in addition to constant adult supervision. Don't consider your child to be "drown-proof" because you enrolled them in swimming class.

2. Toys -- Toys, tricycles and other playthings should be stored away from the pool or spa area. A favorite toy left near the water can be a very strong attraction for a child.

3. Substance-free -- Never use a pool or spa while, or after, consuming alcohol or any drugs. Consult a physician if taking any medication on a regular basis prior to swimming or using a spa.

4. Diving -- Know the depth of the water prior to diving, and never dive into shallow water. Never dive into an aboveground pool. Learn safe diving.

5. Fences and gates -- Fencing should be at least four feet high. Check local regulations for specific requirements in your area.

6. Door and gate alarms -- Many devices are available that attach to pool/spa access doors and gates that will sound a loud chime when opened and closed. And placing alarms on sliding doors, windows and all exit doors will alert you to children leaving the house.

7. Perimeter and motion alarms -- Infrared detector beams are among the high-tech safety options now available at very affordable prices. Infrared systems sound an alarm when the beam is crossed, and can be installed around the perimeter of a pool or spa. Water motion alarms are placed in the water along the edge of the pool and sound an alarm when the water is disturbed in any way.

8. Latches and locks -- Fence gates should have latches that automatically close and latch securely. Windows and doors that open to the pool or spa area should all be equipped with self-latching devices.

9. Safety covers -- Get an impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool or spa, blocking access to water. Insist on a cover that has a label stating that it meets the ASTM F13-46 standard for pool and spa covers.

10. Main drain cover --Check your main drain cover to make sure it's not missing or broken.

11. Portable telephone -- A cordless or poolside phone means parents don't have to leave children unattended while they answer the phone.

12. Ropes, life rings, shepherd's crooks -- Rope and float lines placed across the pool alert swimmers to the separation of the deep and shallow ends of the pool. Rescue equipment such as life rings and shepherd's crooks can be used to pull someone in trouble to safety.

13. Emergency procedures -- Learning CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a skill that may save a life. The local YMCA/YWCA, the Red Cross and many local hospitals offer classes.

Free brochures on water and swimming safety can be obtained free of charge either by calling (800) 323-3996 or by visiting www.nspi.org.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Patty Hulbert, PR manager, National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI), (703) 838-0083 Ext. 162, phulbert@nspi.org.

The National Spa & Pool Institute is the industry organization representing more than 5,200 manufacturers, distributors, builders, retailers and service companies that share a commitment to fair business practices and a standard of excellence in health and safety. NSPI also conducts an industry certification program for pool builders and service professionals. For more information about swimming pools, contact (800) 323-3996 or visit NSPI online at www.nspi.org.