Pool Safety from St. Charles County Ambulance District

As swimming pool covers come off throughout our community, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. Whether your family enjoys public pools or your own backyard oasis, following a few key safety tips can help protect everyone, especially young swimmers.

Top Pool Safety Tips

• Never allow kids to swim alone: Even if a lifeguard is present, always designate a water watcher to monitor children in or near the water. Never leave them unattended, even briefly. Water watchers should avoid distractions such as phones or books.
• Keep a phone near the pool: Having a well-charged phone nearby allows you to quickly call for help in case of an emergency.
• Teach kids to swim: Swimming is a lifesaving skill. Enroll children in swimming lessons through local parks, recreation departments, or gyms, and continue lessons until they are comfortable in the water.
• Learn CPR: Accidents can happen even with precautions. Knowing CPR for infants, children, and adults enables you to provide lifesaving care until paramedics arrive.

Backyard Pool Safety Investments

• Invest in alarms: Install alarms on doors leading to the backyard and on the pool itself to alert you if someone enters the area or the water unexpectedly.
• Install proper fencing: Ensure pools and hot tubs are surrounded by fencing with childproof latches or locks, as required by many municipalities and insurance carriers.

For more helpful information about pool and swimming safety, visit poolsafety.gov.