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3 On Your Side: Summer Pool Safety

By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's June, temperatures are rising, and Americans are spending time at the pool.  So it's a good time for some reminders about keeping everyone safe in the water. 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan has the details.

Splashing around in a pool is part of summer fun for children and parents.  But it's also worth reviewing some key points about water safety, especially if it's a homeowner's first summer with a pool.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has some reminders for parents about pool dangers.  CPSC Chairman Elliott Kaye says, "It's not like the movies.  It's not like where you see somebody splashing and screaming for help to get your attention. drowning is a silent killer.  They go under, and it's over."

In case of emergency, a quick response is crucial.  That's why the Red Cross says pool owners should have the right equipment on hand before it's needed.  That includes reaching or throwing equipment, like a life saver, life jackets and a first aid kit.

Also pool safety doesn't end when everyone is out of the water.  In fact, that time when the pool is unsupervised, can be the most dangerous for children.  The CPSC urges pool owners to have a fence at least four feet in height around the perimeter of a pool.  Use gates that self-latch and self-close and install an alarm between the house and pool area, to alert everyone that someone may be approaching the water.

For more information visit:  www.poolsafely.gov

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