With summer fast approaching, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently urged parents to follow several safety tips that can help prevent pool and spa accidents. Since January of this year, there have been reports of 37 drowning and 38 near-drowning incidents reported in the United States, most of which could have been avoided by following CPSC safety guidelines.
According to the CPSC, water safety can be classified into three categories: 1) Behavioral – actions that are associated with action and personal responsibility; 2) Equipment – actions that are associated with having proper barriers and safety equipment to prevent accidents, such as fences and drain covers; and 3) Knowledge – actions that are associated with knowing how to swim, knowing CPR, and other water safety-related activities. Safety tips encompassing all three categories should be followed.
The CPSC recommends that pool and spa owners adhere to the following safety tips to keep themselves, their family, and their visitors safe: