Adding Protection to Your Pool to Help Keep Everyone Safe

As we continue to discuss water safety this month, it’s important for homeowners to have the necessary tools to keep pools fun and most importantly safe. Last week we reviewed the safest colors of swimwear to wear so it can be easily recognized in water to help prevent drowning. This week the water safety focus will be on additional property protections to help prevent swimming pool drownings. The informational source comes from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. It’s important for homeowners to have the necessary tools to keep pools fun and most importantly safe. (Adobe Stock) Gates and Latches All gates to residential and public swimming pools or spa areas should be self-closing and self-latching with a locking device. Gates should open away from the pool and should never be propped open. Gates must also be double-checked to confirm that the latching mechanism is securely fastened. For safety reasons the latch release should be out of the reach of children, at least 54 inches from the ground. If a locking latch is used it should be kept locked when the pool is not in use. Be sure to store the key out of children’s reach and make sure all adults...