Your Kids

Swimming Safety Tips

Posted: 6/14/2010

A few simple precautions can help ensure pool health and safety for your family.

(NAPSI)-Before water relaxation or wet and wild fun in the pool this year, experts suggest taking the necessary preparations to help ensure swimming pool playtime is safe, healthy and worry-free.

"Parents continue to make strides when it comes to safeguarding their families around the pool," said Michele Hlavsa with the Healthy Swimming program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Swimming pool safety is a must for every family."

Here are some simple poolside health and safety tips:

• Protective Barriers--Learn what types of enclosures, such as self-latching fences or gates, should be used to keep kids from entering your pool while unattended.
  
  
• Keep Poolside Areas Clutter-Free--To prevent accidents such as slipping and falling into or around pools, make it a point to pack up pool toys and supplies that are not in use.
  
  
• Check for Healthy, Safe Water Levels--Swimming pools can be unhealthy if pool water is contaminated. The CDC recommends testing your pool's water with products such as AquaChek Pool and Spa Test Strips at least three times a week for active sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, other), pH, total alkalinity and other water conditions if the pool is not being used. If use of the pool increases, test more often.

Simply dip a test strip into your pool or spa, then compare it to the color chart on the product's label. You'll know immediately how safe and clean your pool water is and what adjustments you need to make in your pool chemicals to ensure continued cleanliness. Public pool users can also pack water test strips in their pool bag to check that the water is safe for swimming.

• Set Pool Parameters--Establish guidelines for kids and visitors. Talk to kids about swimming only when an adult is present and never going to the bathroom while in a pool. Test water levels for cleanliness before each use and make sure all pool patrons understand the dangers of running, jumping and diving into and around pools.

These simple swimming pool safety tips can help your family enjoy the pool, knowing it's safe and healthy.

Visit www.aquachek.com to locate the nearest pool and spa dealers carrying AquaChek test strips or call (574) 262-2060.

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