Childproofing your backyard

The backyard pool
Half of all the drownings that occur in Canada take place in home pools. If you have a backyard pool, it's your responsibility to supervise not only your own children but also any other children invited and keep them safe.

- The pool's fence must meet your municipality by-laws; usually the fence must be at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) high and go around all four sides, including the side that leads to the deck and patio doors.

- Keep furniture away from the fence. Don't make it easy for children to hoist themselves over the fence to get in or out.

- Put two locks on the gate, a day lock and a heavy-duty night lock. Night lighting is essential.

- There should be a phone jack by the pool or, if there isn't, you should have a portable one to take out to the pool with you.

- Be very careful about the toys you let children bring to the pool. If a toy rolls into the water, children might reach into the water for it. Ride-on toys are particularly dangerous. Ban them from the area.

- Handle all the pool's chemicals yourself, and store them under lock and key.

- Write out Pool Rules to reduce the risks of injury or drowning. Post them and teach your child and visiting friends to read them. State the consequence for not following the rules: banishment!

Pool rules:
- No running.
- No pushing.
- No jumping in at the deep end.
- No jumping on another swimmer.
- No swimming without an adult.

- Swimming classes for children three years and older should be a priority. If you're planning a children's pool party, hire a qualified lifeguard -- the cost is not prohibitive. There may also be a teenager in your neighbourhood who has her lifeguard certification. But, when you are away from home, it may not be wise to let a teenage baby sitter supervise the kids in the pool. It's a huge responsibility.