Blog Tour: Summer Safety

I've mentioned before that we take pool safety seriously in our home. Owning a backyard pool increases our responsibility and makes us more vigilant when anyone is playing in our yard.  We have both an inground pool and a backyard play structure, so we have to make sure our kids and any visitors know all the rules for playing. 

Underwriters Laboratory (a leading product safety testing organization) and Disney teamed together to create some fun videos starring Timon & Pumba from Lion King fame to help kids learn about safety rules.  This video is funny at the same time it is informative.  There's even a song at the end, and Lydia loves singing the "No No No" part when they remind kids not to pee in the pool. 

My boys watched the video and said "We know these rules . . . "  I told them I was thrilled that they knew them, but it's never a bad idea to review them again.

Underwriters Laboratory released some great tips for pool safety in a recent press release.  I was glad to realize that we already have instituted all these rules and follow them faithfully. I hope you take a minute to read through these handy tips and use them to reinforce (or create) rules for summer safety in your home.

POOL SAFETY AT HOME

• If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child's reach.
• Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.
• Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or  body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.
• Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.

BE SAFETY SMART WHILE SWIMMING

• Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool every 10 seconds, and reach the water within 20 seconds.
• Always have rescue devices, such as UL-LISTED life preservers, nearby.
• Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
• Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
• Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.
• Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.

*Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.*