Seven Tips for Safer Home Swimming Pools an...( COLORADO SPRINGS Co...),Health

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that summer is in full swing, stories about home pool or hot tub tragedies are making headlines across the county.

With millions enjoying their summers by swimming in backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs, the need for home pool and hot tub safety is urgent.

The American Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation((R)) want all home pool and hot tub owners to make safety their priority by following these safety guidelines:

1. Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Install alarms on any doors leading to the pool that sound when opened unexpectedly. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
2. Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm's reach of young children. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool - never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
3. Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
4. Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Use proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
5. Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as "no diving," "stay away from drain covers," "swim with a buddy" and "walk please."
6. Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safet
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