Swimming is one of the best exercises available and a fun, warm weather activity. Children are especially fond of pools, which is why swimming pool safety is so important. The statistics surrounding swimming pool accidents and children are quite startling:

•    Drowning is the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States, claiming 4,000 lives annually. Approximately one-third is children under the age of 14.
•    Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children under the age of 15.
•    A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.
•    Children under 5 and adolescents between the ages of 15-24 have the highest drowning rates.
•    Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less.

Such sobering statistics make it easy to grasp the need for proper swimming pool safety and owning the right pool safety products. While nothing can undermine the importance of constant supervision, even older children, pets, and neighbors will benefit from some the great pool safety products on the market today.

Pool Alarms:

A typical pool alarm sounds off an alert whenever anything enters the water.  Models for both in-ground and above-ground pools are available and can be set up in minutes.

Fencing:

Closing in the area around your pool is likely the best swimming pool safety advice you will obtain. In fact, many communities require all homeowners with pools to have some type of fencing. There is even a type of fencing that attaches to above-ground pools, making them safer as well. Swimming pool safety doesn’t have to be ugly; special pool fencing comes in many attractive designs and colors.

Door or Gate Alarms:

Further secure the gate or door to your fencing with an alarm system that alerts you whenever the entrance has been opened. Perfect for preventing anyone from helping him or herself to your pool, as well as providing a warning should a little one wander into the swimming area.

Safety-Vacuum Pool Pumps:

Recently, we have heard of the dangers of pool pumps, as they can cause strong suction that can hold small children under water. Newer pumps have emerged with safety systems in place to detect when the drain is being blocked and then promptly shuts itself off. A real peace-of-mind product for parents with little swimmers or anyone with small pets.

Safety Pool Covers:

Winterize your pool and keep the water fresh from leaves with a safety rated pool cover. There are many types of covers, but it’s important to seek out a safety cover since they are able to withstand the weight of a typical adult or more should someone accidentally step onto the surface.

Life Preserver:

Still an important part of swimming pool safety, this simple product can literally be a lifesaver. Take the time to teach your family how to properly use a life preserver to save themselves or a potential drowning victim.