TEXT: Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.
(Views of a backyard pool and its surrounding fence)
(View of person opening and walking through metal gate to pool area)
TEXT: If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
(View of a little girl opening a door from inside a house causing an alarm to sound)
(Views of door alarm)
TEXT: A power safety cover - a motorized powered barrier that can be placed over the water area -- can be used when the pool is not in use
(Various views of a power safety cover in use)
TEXT: Don't leave pool toys and floats in the pool or pool area that may attract young children to the water. Keep furniture that could be used for climbing into the pool area away from fences.
(Views of toys and other pool items left in pool. Views of children attempting to get them out of the pool. Views of adults removing toys and floats from the pool area)
TEXT: For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured, locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.
(Various views of an adult securing an secured above-ground pool)
TEXT: Pool alarms can be used as an added protection. Look for alarms that meet the requirements of the ASTM standard. The Commission advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.
(Various views and sounds of a pool alarm that has been activated)
TEXT: Know what to do in case of an emergency. Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted. Knowing CPR can be a lifesaver.
(Various views of children playing in a pool)
TEXT: CPSC offers free publications and information for consumers to help prevent drowning. For more information, go to www.cpsc.gov or call our Hotline at (800) 638 - 2772.