Pools and spas are great for summertime fun and relaxation—as long as everyone stays safe!

When you have pool, summer fun like playing Marco Polo and diving for treasure can make lasting memories. So does relaxing poolside or in a spa. Make sure everyone around your pool or spa stays safer by following these simple safety steps.

Designate someone to watch the kids

Any time children are in the water have an adult present to supervise. This means eyes on the kids at all times—not looking down at a phone, tablet or book.

Most drownings aren’t like what’s shown in the movies where someone flails and screams dramatically. Drownings are typically silent and can happen very quickly. A supervising adult should pay close attention at all times.

Make sure drain covers are safe

The pumps that draw in water for filtering can be mighty powerful. In some cases, kids and adults have been trapped by their suction. Make sure your drains have anti-entrapment covers.

Teach kids the necessities

Set kids up for safety by teaching them what they need to know, including:

• How to swim
• Safety rules such as staying away from drains and only going in the water if an adult is present
• Use the bathroom not the pool
• How to get help quickly if someone is in trouble

Consider downloading an app to your smart device to help kids stay safer around pools and spas – visit PoolSafely.com.

Keep barriers, covers and alarms well-maintained

Safety equipment such as fences, gates, alarms and covers help save lives by limiting access or alerting you that someone is in or near the water. Keep all safety equipment in good working order by quickly fixing any problems.

Have an emergency plan

No one likes to think about the possibility of a pool or spa accident. However, being prepared can help prevent accidents from becoming disasters. Make sure rescue equipment like a ring buoy with an attached line and a safety hook on a rigid pole for rescues is easily accessible. Instruct kids that safety equipment should never be used for play.

Keep a cell phone with a well-charged battery nearby at all times in case you need to call 911. Post your home’s address nearby too. Young kids and visitors may not have your address memorized.

Learn CPR

Spending a few hours to learn CPR can make all the difference if someone happens to drown. The American Red Cross offers in-person, online and blended learning CPR classes. If you learned CPR several years ago, consider taking a refresher course.

Planning to get a pool?

A pool can provide you and your family a place to cool off and connect for years to come. To finance a pool project, consider taking advantage of a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that gives you access to cash when you need it.

Consumers helps more than 2,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800-991-2221.