Pool Safety Checklist

Essential guidelines to keep children safe around pools

🏊 Supervision (Most Important!)

• Designate a "Water Watcher" who stays focused on the pool - no phone, no distractions
• Keep children within arm's reach at all times - especially young children and non-swimmers
• Never leave children unattended near water, even for "just a second"
• Learn CPR - it can save a life in an emergency
• Keep a phone poolside in case of emergency

🚧 Barriers & Fencing

• Install a 4-sided fence (at least 4 feet high) completely surrounding the pool
• Use self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward
• Keep the latch out of reach of young children (at least 54 inches high)
• Ensure fence bars are no more than 4 inches apart
• Remove furniture or objects that could be used to climb over the fence

🛟 Safety Equipment

• Keep rescue equipment poolside (shepherd's hook, ring buoy)
• Have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers
• Post CPR instructions in a visible location
• Keep a first aid kit nearby
• Install pool alarms on doors and gates leading to pool

🏡 Pool Area Safety

• Remove all toys from pool when not in use (toys attract children)
• Secure pool cover completely when pool is not in use
• Drain inflatable pools after each use
• Empty all buckets and containers that collect water
• Keep chemicals locked away and out of reach
• Ensure deck surfaces are slip-resistant

📚 Education & Rules

• Teach children to never swim alone
• Establish and enforce pool rules (no running, no diving in shallow areas)
• Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons
• Teach children to ask permission before going near water
• Practice emergency drills with your family