Insurance Corner
What you need to know about pool safety
by Martha Marton

Summer is full of lazy sun-filled days; many of them enjoyed around a pool. As delightful as pools can be, they do pose a safety concern.

If you own a pool, do your part to make sure your pool is a safe environment, especially for children. Some suggestions to help make your pool area safer:

- Make sure that young children are supervised in and around the pool area at all times. Do not leave them alone (even for a second) to answer the phone or the doorbell.

- If you're having a party or entertaining guests and the pool area will be open, make sure someone is posted poolside who can watch the area continuously.

- Do not rely solely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child who is within the pool enclosure or in the water.

- Surround the entire pool with a permanent fence that is tall enough to prevent children from easily climbing it. Check with your local building officials to make sure you have complied with all by-laws and regulations.

- Make sure all gates are self-closing and selflatching. If the gate can be opened from the outside, make sure it is securely locked so that children can't get inside by themselves.

- Install extra locks on the doors and windows of your home that lead to the pool area. These locks should be high enough to prevent small children from reaching them. Alternatively fence the pool on all four sides to prevent direct access from the house.

- Install a removable pool fence inside the permanent fence or screen enclosure that surrounds your pool. This is a good option if you need an additional layer of protection temporarily (e.g., while children are young or while grandchildren are visiting).

- Attach an alarm to the side of the pool or use one that floats.

- Have a licensed professional install a safety cover that complies with industry standards and completely remove it before using the pool to prevent someone from becoming trapped underneath. (Not to be confused with the flimsy pool covers designed to keep the pool cleaner or warmer--these offer no protection and may even be a safety hazard if water accumulates on them or if children slip beneath.)

- Clear all toys from the pool when it is not in use. Toys floating on the surface or under the water can attract young children.

- Keep chairs, tables, or other items well away from the pool fence to help prevent children from using them as a means to climb over the fence.

- Make sure children understand pool safety rules. For example, teach them never to go into the pool area alone and to not bring glass into pool area. Enforce a no diving or jumping rule and don't allow children to play poolside with wheeled toys.

- Teach children how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

- Be prepared for emergencies by mounting lifesaving devices and a phone within the pool area. Learn CPR.

- Keep pool chemicals out of the reach of children.

- Inspect your pool equipment regularly and make sure it operates properly.

For more information on how to protect your business, contact Martha Marton at Tupling Insurance Brokers Limited. Direct Line (705) 458-8111 marthamarton @tupling insurance.com