Wakefield Police Department Offers Pool Safety Tips

For Immediate Release
Monday, June 8, 2015

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

Wakefield Police Department Offers Pool Safety Tips

WAKEFIELD – With temperatures rising as summer quickly approaches, many residents will be heading to the pool to cool off. Chief Rick Smith and the Wakefield Police Department would like to remind pool owners and swimmers to take safety precautions.

Over 200 children drown in backyard swimming pools each year, according to the American Red Cross. In order to avoid these preventable accidents, Chief Smith suggests that residents:

• 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 added 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 instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors, or anyone else who is near 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 if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.

“We hope we never have to be in a situation where someone, especially a child, is involved in a pool-related accident,” Chief Smith said. “It’s getting hot out there and people will want to cool off in the water. We strongly advise residents to take the necessary precautions to keep pool areas safe so we can all have a safe and enjoyable summer.”

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