Everyone knows that swimming pools can be a lot of fun, but they can be dangerous and owning a swimming pool is a big responsibility.  If your pool will be hosting any children, regardless of whose kids they are, you need to have safety rules for your swimming pool and you need the, to be followed.  Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

1. Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of protective devices, such as door alarms and latches.
2. Emphasize the need for constant supervision. Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.
3. During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.
4. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.
5. Do not allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
6. Do not consider young children to be drownproof because they have had swimming lessons. Children must be watched closely while swimming.
7. Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
8. Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Babysitters and other caretakers, such as grandparents and older siblings, should also know CPR.
9. Keep rescue equipment by the pool. Be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby.
   Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
10. Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.

ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

Steps and ladders leading from the ground to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.