Lisa A. Holmes, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 1, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
617-993-0003
john@jgpr.net
West Newbury Police Share Pool Safety Tips
WEST NEWBURY — With summer right around the corner and increasingly hot weather, Chief Lisa A. Holmes and the West Newbury Police Department are urging residents to follow safety precautions around the pool.
The American Red Cross reports that over 200 children drown in backyards swimming pools each year. In order to keep your pool safe and avoid accidents, Chief Holmes suggests the following tips:
- Per Massachusetts Law, have at least a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and an access gate that self-closes, locks, and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
- Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use and 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 are near or in a pool and make sure they have an adult 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 is missing, always check the pool first.
- Set safety rules and share them with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else who is near to or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
- Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared in the event of an emergency, and update skills regularly.
“We want our residents to be able to enjoy the warm weather safely,” Chief Holmes said. “Relaxing at the pool is a great way to stay cool, but there is a great risk for accidents to occur. We strongly encourage pool owners to follow the tips provided and swimmers, especially children, to be cautious so everyone can enjoy the summer safely.”
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.