The Town of North Hempstead  Board reminds residents that with the onset of the pool season, some precautions should be taken in regard to pool safety. When school is let out for the summer and children rush to the pools, safety is a main concern, town officials said.

It is important to review pool safety precautions with the entire family, whether using a pool at a Town facility or a private backyard pool at home.

According to the CDC, each day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. In the United States, drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death.

“As temperatures begin warming up and pools start opening for the season, we want to make sure that families keep their children safe,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “It is important that everyone is aware of these simple guidelines and precautions that can ultimately help save lives.”

Pool Safety Tips from the Town of North Hempstead

Never leave a child unsupervised or unattended while near a pool.

Know where children are at all times.

Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren’t tempted to reach for them.

You must put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. The town requires the installation of a fence at least 6 feet high around all sides of the pool, as well as the use of self-closing and self-latching gates that secure from the inside.

Practice “touch supervision” with children younger than 5 years. This means that the adult is within an arm’s length of the child at all times.

After use, securely close the pool.

Keep rescue equipment and a phone near the pool.

New York State law requires residential pools to have swimming pool alarms.

Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Remove the cover completely.

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water.

Never swim when thunder or lightening is present.

In addition, the town also requires that residents put up a fence to separate their house from the pool.

The town requires the installation of a fence at least 6 feet high around all sides of the pool, as well as the use of self-closing and self-latching gates that secure from the inside. Homeowners should inspect fences periodically to make sure they are not in disrepair.

Town Supervisor Bosworth stated, “Teaching your children how to swim at a young age provides them with the foundation for becoming a stronger swimmer as they mature. I encourage all parents to teach their children to swim to avoid dangerous situations in the future.”

For more information, visit the Town’s website at: www.northhempsteadny.gov or call 311.