CPSC Says Portable Swimming Pools Pose Dangers

With summer upon us, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that portable swimming pools pose dangers to children.

Parents should be aware of pool safety and understand that although presented as offering great family fun, the Commission notes that the seemingly innocuous pools present deadly dangers. Consider that, according to CPSC reporting, from 2005 to 2008, submersion deaths linked to portable pools averaged 35 deaths annually for small children—four years of age and under.

Although portable pools are significantly less expensive and much easier to maintain than permanent aboveground or in-ground pools, the head of the CPSC notes that the pools are not without their risks. Bear in mind that portable pools can range in size from small, kiddy pools to larger portable sizes that hold thousands of gallons of water, said ABC2News.

The CPSC calls for diligence when using portable pools and offers the following tips:

• Empty and put away smaller portable pools following every use.
• Once the portable pool has been set-up, ensure high levels of supervision.
• Fence your portable pools and encourage your neighbors to do the same with theirs.
• For larger portable pools, be sure to cover the pool when not in use and remove and store access ladders when adults are not present to supervise pool activity.
• Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area so that you will be alerted when the pool area is entered.
• Teach children to swim and float.
• Teach children basic life-saving skills; however, never consider young children “drown-proof” because they have taken swimming lessons.
• Ensure your neighbors, babysitters and other caretakers, family, and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard.
• Learn and practice CPR so that you can help in the event of a pool emergency.