7 Layers of Protection
In North Carolina, pool safety is a great concern for many parents with small children. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4, according to the CDC. To prevent this alarming statistic from happening, we highly suggest implementing the 7 Layers of Protection by Life Saver Pool Fence. The more layers of protection you utilize, the closer you are to establishing a fail-safe system that ensures the safety of your pets and little ones around the pool.
Why Does 7 Layers Matter?
1. Install Swimming Pool Alarms & Door Locks
Installing pool alarms serve as an early warning system, alerting you if someone accesses the pool area without you knowing. This crucial alert provides an opportunity for immediate intervention, especially pool accidents involving young children, and pets. Door locks help prevent pets and children from pushing doors and accessing the swimming pool area.
2. CPR and Swimming Proficiency for Adults
Equip all adults, older children, teens in the household with life-saving skills by ensuring they know how to swim and perform CPR. This includes caretakers, grandparents, nannies and babysitters. Knowing CPR is invaluable in emergency situations, because it buys critical time until the ambulance arrives.
3. Continuous Education on Pool Safety Protocols
Make sure all family members and caregivers are knowledgeable about the importance of safety measures, including constant supervision, proper use of alarms, and the role of designated Water Watchers. When everyone is on one accord, pool drowning accidents are less likely to happen.
4. Always Check the Pool First When Children Are Missing
When children are missing, always check the pool first. Time is crucial in water safety, and a quick response can make a significant difference. Establishing this habit ensures that if a child is ever missing, there’s no time wasted when it comes to saving a child’s life. Always conduct a thorough check of the pool area in any search for missing children — including pets.
5. Fence Your Entire Pool
Fencing your entire pool is an important layer of protection to prevent unsupervised access. A secure fence acts as a barrier, limiting entry points and reducing the risk of accidents. Ensure your pool fence is at least 4 feet high with a self-latching gate, providing an additional layer of safety for your peace of mind. The 4 feet pool fence rule is the law in North Carolina.
6. Provide Early Infant Swim Instruction
Early infant swim instruction provides younger children with confidence from an early age. While not a substitute for adult supervision, teaching infants basic water skills can be a valuable layer of protection. If a child accidentally falls into the pool when an adult isn’t present, their survival skills are more likely to kick in. As a result, they are less likely to drown.
Learning to swim is the foundation for water safety, because it stresses the importance of respecting and enjoying water under guided instruction.
7. Supervise Children at All Times and Designate a Dedicated Water Watcher
Supervision is imperative when it comes to pool safety. Designate a dedicated water watcher during gatherings or playtime, ensuring focused attention solely on the pool area. Rotate this responsibility among mature adults, so that you maintain a watchful presence to respond promptly in case of any pool accidents.
Contact Our Pool Safety Experts
In North Carolina, our pool safety experts are dedicated to assisting you in creating the safest possible environment around your swimming pool. We understand your child's safety is your top priority, and it is ours too. If you have any questions or concerns about pool safety, we are here to help.