Stay Safe by the Pool All Summer

We may have mild weather on the Central Coast, but one thing I learned from my is that many of you still have outdoor pools. 

For all you pool owners, knowing the basics of staying safe around the water is essential.

According to Amica Insurance, "each year, nearly 400 children drown in pools and spas, and more than 5,000 others are treated for pool-related injuries." Additionally, "more than 70 percent of all pool injuries occur in backyard pools, including in-ground, above-ground and portable pools."

The American Red Cross has put together the list below of important reminders for pool safety.

• Don’t let anyone swim unsupervised in a pool.

• Fence pools with a four-foot or taller fence with self-closing and self-latching gates. Make sure pool gates are closed and locked, especially when not in use.

• Install pool and gate alarms.

• Keep life jackets and flotation devices on hand.

• Assign a water watcher to keep an eye on anyone swimming in the pool.

• Keep emergency equipment, such as life preservers, a first aid kit and a cell phone, nearby.

• When the pool is not in use, remove all pool toys.

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