Pool & Spa Water Safety Awareness
Water safety awareness saves lives. Understanding safe pool and spa practices can help reduce the risk of serious injury and create a safer environment for children, family members, guests, and bathers.
Safe pool ownership includes proper supervision, visible safety signage, working drain covers, safe entry and exit, appropriate barriers, and compliance with applicable safety standards and local codes.
Playing It Smart Makes Sense
- Safety ropes, which should remain in place at all times.
- âNo Divingâ signs placed where they are clearly visible.
- An area sign posted where all users can see it.
- Necessary means of exit and entry into the pool.
- Fencing with a self-latching gate and other barriers to help prevent unsupervised pool access by children.
- Approved drain covers and other devices designed to protect against suction entrapment.
- Minimum required inlets and returns to support proper water circulation.
- Appropriate in-pool lighting if the pool will be used after dark.
National Water Safety Month
May is National Water Safety Month. In celebration of water safety awareness, organizations such as the American Red Cross, the pool and spa industry, National Recreation & Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association have promoted water safety education and resources.
Taking time to review water safety information can help your family at home and can also improve your understanding of current national safety standards.
Basic Pool Safety Reminders
Diving & Slides
Diving boards and slides require minimum depths and distances and must only be installed and used in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturerâs specifications and applicable ANSI/NSPI or ANSI/APSP standards.
Non-Diving Pools
If a pool is labeled as non-diving, diving equipment should not be installed, and any such equipment should be removed before the pool is used.
Supervision
Pools should never be used unless there is adequate supervision. Children using the pool should be supervised constantly.
Pool Condition
A pool should be kept in good repair and should not be used when a drain cover, safety component, or other critical part is missing or broken.
Impaired Use
Anyone under the influence of alcohol, drugs, stimulants, or anything that may impair judgment or physical ability should not use the pool.
Barriers & Alarms
Pools should be protected by appropriate barriers to unsupervised entry, including fencing with self-latching gates, covers, alarms, and other approved safety systems.
Safety Information From Your Pool Builder
Make sure your pool builder supplies all safety information that accompanies your pool and installs warning stickers, labels, and area signs where they can be clearly visible to everyone who uses the pool.