A backyard swimming pool is a great way to have some good, old-fashioned family fun! Beat the heat this summer by cooling off in a local backyard or community pool, but keep in mind some of these safety tips offered by the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District to ensure you and your family enjoy a safe summer. Whether you have young children or teenagers in the home, these safety tips are valuable information for folks of all ages. Please take a moment to review this water safety information with your whole family.

Adult Supervision

Active adult supervision is an important part of preventing drowning.Children should never be allowed to swim without an adult present and other siblings aren't necessarily qualified to fill the role of "Water Watcher." Take an active part in your child's swimming by staying in the pool area when kids are in or around the water. Actively supervising kids in the water means avoiding distractions such as socializing, phone conversations, reading and more. Remember, drowning happens without a sound so you may not be alerted to a child in trouble if you have turned your attention away from the water.

Barriers

Throughout the process of building your pool, there are certain things required in order to meet current building codes and city ordinances, such as ensuring the proper barriers surround your yard or pool.Additionally, door/window alarms may have been installed to meet such requirements Isolation fencing around the pool as well as door and window alarms provide an added layer of protection from the dangers of the water. It is important to maintain the integrity of such barriers and refrain from disconnecting any alarms or removing any locks because they are "inconvenient. They could save a life one day, so let them do their job.

Classes

Before the fun begins in the swimming pool, consider enrolling in a couple of classes:swimming lessons and CPR.If your child is unfamiliar around water, swimming lessons might help boost their confidence and sharpen their water skills. The City of Rancho Cucamonga's Community Services Department offers an aquatics program for all ages.Visit www.rcpark.com or check out your recent copy of The Grapevine for more details about upcoming classes.In addition to swimming lessons, the City also offers CPR classes.A medical emergency, such as a heart attack or drowning, can occur at anytime. Early CPR could make the difference in someone's chances of survival.For the safety of your family, everyone over the age of 18 should learn CPR - you never know when you might need it.

Follow this safety tips to rest assured your swimming pool will offer years of fun for your family! Remember, drowning is 100% preventable If you would like more information on drowning prevention, please contact the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District Public Education Office at (909) 477-2770 x 3008.