Arlington Police Offer Pool Safety Tips

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Arlington Police Offer Pool Safety Tips

ARLINGTON — With summer just around the corner, Police Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department advise pool owners to follow several safety procedures this season.

The American Red Cross reports over 200 children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. To prevent becoming a statistic this season, Chief Ryan suggests that residents:

• Per Massachusetts law, have at least a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool (even if you don’t have children) and an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area. Fasten a safety cover when the pool is not in use. Remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. For extra safety, install a pool alarm that will sound if anyone enters the water.

• Never leave children unattended while they’re near or in a pool and make sure they have an adult buddy to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm floats.

• Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt. If a child does go missing, check the pool first.

• Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors or anyone who is near or using the pool. Advise children to stay clear of pool deep ends, and to always walk, not run around the pool.

• Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.

“As residents begin to open their swimming pools for the season, we remind them to please take the necessary measures to keep children and adults safe,” Chief Ryan said. “We hope to see everyone in town enjoy their summer by the water.”

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