Pool Safety

DETROIT (WXYZ) - A dip in the pool is great way to cool off in the summer.
But government figures show each year in the U.S. more than 300 children under the age of 5 drown in residential swimming pools.

NSF International , a Michigan based not-for-profit public health and safety organization offers the following advice.

1) Keep a watchful eye.
Small children require constant adult supervision. Also make sure you know if any of the individuals using your pool, especially the children, are non-swimmers.
2) Replace the drains.
Drains, suction fittings and grates should be designed to meet the newly revised 2007 standards for preventing body, limbs, and hair from becoming trapped. Make sure the drain and suction fittings are certified. If a drain cover is missing or broken, shut down the pool, spa, or hot tub until the cover is replaced. Don't allow anyone to ever play with or remove a drain cover.
3) Establish rules for pool use.
Do not allow kids to run or play games near the pool. Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheeled toys, away from pools, as children playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
4) Install a certified barrier or pool alarm.
Gates leading to the pool area should have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry. Make sure pool alarms are certified.
5) Know the location of the emergency shut-off switch.
Make sure an emergency shut-off switch for the pump is installed nearby and that it is easily accessible. Everyone should know where these switches are located and how to use them.

For more information or to see if your drain is certified contact NSF International ,