For Immediate Release

Friday, June 22, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Attleboro Fire Department Reminds Residents of Pool Safety Precautions

ATTLEBORO — Following an Attleboro couple’s viral Facebook video last week, showing their 2-year-old climbing up a supposedly childproof pool ladder, Chief Scott T. Lachance and the Attleboro Fire Department would like to offer residents some pool safety tips.

The video, posted on Friday, June 15, shows the couple’s toddler climbing to the top of a safety gate for their above-ground pool. The gate is meant to prevent kids from gaining access to the pool. As of this morning, the video had over 26 million views.

“Clearly with how many times this video has been viewed online, it is something that has struck a nerve with a lot of people,” Chief Lachance said. “Children of any age should never be left alone or unsupervised near a pool. This video illustrates that point perfectly. As a parent myself, I know young ones always find a way to get into places that they shouldn’t be, so always keep a close eye on them especially near the water.”

The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 children drown in swimming pools each year. Additionally, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so the Attleboro Fire Department considers pool safety to be a top priority.

Factors to consider when installing a pool include zoning requirements, electrical clearances, utility easements, and contacting your insurance agency as pools require additional liability coverage.

The Attleboro Fire Department reminds residents to follow these safety regulations and recommended precautions:

• Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has 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. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
• Never leave children unattended while they are in or near 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 flotation devices.
• Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
• Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and 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.
• Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
• Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
• Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
• Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
• Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
• Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.

For a complete listing of Massachusetts building code regulations regarding swimming pools, click here.

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