TFD reminder on ABCs of pool safety as swim season approaches

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

Due to warmer than average weather Tucson's swimming season is approaching rather quickly. It is important that parents take the necessary precautions to keep their children safe in and around water.

Drowning is 100 percent preventable and sadly each year it continues to occur in Tucson. The most effective way to prevent this tragedy is to create multiple layers of protection around pools and to rely on the ABC'S of drowning prevention.

According to a Tucson Fire Department release adults should adhere to the following ABC's of drowning prevention:

Active Adult Supervision

Is the first line of defense against drowning. The Designated Child Watcher (DCW) is responsible for supervising the children when they are in or near the water. The DCW agrees to supervise the children without distraction for a given period of time. The DCW is given a lifeguard whistle or neck wallet that serves to remind them of their responsibility. When another adult relieves them, the whistle is handed off to them. This ensures that there isn't a lapse in supervision.

Barriers

Perimeter Fencing: Every pool within Tucson city limits is required by law to have a five-foot high, permanently fixed fence that completely surrounds the perimeter of the pool.

Self-Closing/Self Latching Gates: All pool gates need to be self-closing and self-latching. To test your gate, open the gate to body width and release. The gate should swing close and completely latch on its own.

Check for Gaps or Openings: Make sure that pool fencing does not contain gaps exceeding four inches. Check the entire perimeter of the fence regularly to look for erosion or unusual spacing between the ground and the bottom of the fence.

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TFD reminder on ABCs of pool safety as swim season approaches