The following barrier recommendations are the result of
identifying key parameters that typically contribute to child
drowning in backyard pools. These recommendations are the minimum
steps you can take to make your home a safe place for your child.
Barriers are not childproof, but they provide layers of
protection for a child who strays from supervision. Barriers give
parents additional time to locate a child before the unexpected
becomes a reality.
Barriers include a fence or wall, door alarms for the house,
and a power safety cover over the pool. Barriers also may be used
to protect children from accessing hot tubs and spas. Use the
following recommendations as a guide:
FENCES & GATES
Install a fence or other barrier, such as a wall, completely
around the pool. If the house is part of the barrier, the doors
leading from the house to the pool should be protected with an
alarm or the pool should have a power safety cover. Alarm and
cover details are below.
The fence or other barrier should be at least 4 feet high.
It should have no foot- or handholds that could help a young
child to climb it.
Vertical fence slats should be less than 4 inches apart to
prevent a child from squeezing through.
Use this as a guide when the release mechanism is located less
than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate.
If horizontal members are equal to or more than 45 inches
apart, vertical spacing shall not exceed 4 inches.
If the fence is chain link, then no part of the
diamond-shaped opening should be larger than 1-3/4 inches.
Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The
gate should be well maintained to close and latch easily. The
latch should be out of a child's reach.
When the release mechanism of the self-latching device is
less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release
mechanism for the gate should be at least 3 inches below the top
of the gate on the side facing the pool. Placing the release
mechanism at this height prevents a young child from reaching
over the top of a gate and releasing the latch. Also, the gate
and barrier should have no opening greater than 1/2 inch within
18 inches of the latch release mechanism. This prevents a young
child from reaching through the gate and releasing the latch.
There are a wide variety of fencing construction materials
available to compliment your house and pool surroundings. Your
local fence company or pool enclosure company can provide you
with information and assist you in making a selection.
The weak link in the strongest and highest fence is a gate
that fails to close and latch completely. For a gate to close
completely every time, it must be in proper working order.
DOOR ALARMS
If the house forms one side of the barrier, then doors
leading from the house to the pool should be protected with
alarms that produce an audible sound when a door is unexpectedly
opened.
Install an alarm that can be temporarily turned off by an
adult for a single opening of the door by using a keypad or
switch that is out of a child's reach.
Battery and electrically powered alarms are available. The
key pad switch can be used by adults who wish to pass through the
door without setting off the alarm. It should be placed high on
all doors leading from the house to the pool. Affordable and
easily installed alarms are available. An alarm signal
immediately tells a parent that a door has been opened.
POWER SAFETY COVERS
Power safety covers over the pool may be used as an
alternative to door alarms. A power safety cover should meet the
requirements of the ASTM pool cover standard which addresses
labeling requirements and performance. ASTM requires that a cover
withstand the weight of two adults and a child to allow a rescue
should an individual fall onto the cover. The standard also
requires quick removal of water from the cover. A young child can
drown in just inches of water.
A power safety cover is a motor powered barrier that can be
placed over the water area. Motor-driven covers easily open and
close over the pool. When the power safety cover is properly in
place over the pool, it provides a high level of safety for
children under 5 years old by inhibiting their access to the
water.
ABOVE-GROUND POOLS
Steps and ladders leading from the ground to the pool should
be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.
*** RULES FOR POOLS ***
Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards to young
children and about the use of protective devices, such as door
alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constant supervision.
Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. During social
gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to
protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns
being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are
at risk.
If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count
in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and
scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool
area.
Do not allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
Do not consider young children to be drownproof because they
have had swimming lessons. Children must be watched closely while
swimming.
Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for
supervision.
Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Babysitters and
other caretakers, such as grandparents and older siblings, should
also know CPR.
Keep rescue equipment by the pool. Be sure a telephone is
poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby.
Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in
use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.
NOTE: To obtain detailed barrier recommendations, write CPSC, Pool Barriers, Office of Information & Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20207.
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