General Safety Tips
- Always swim with a partner, never alone.
- Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don’t try to keep up with stronger swimmers or encourage others to keep up with you. Keep an eye on weaker swimmers, and if they seem tired, encourage them to exit the water and rest.
- Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” – too tired, too cold, too much sun, or too strenuous activity. Get out of the water immediately if any of these conditions occur.
- Stay away from the main drain, as suction could entrap you underwater. For more details, refer to the Recommended Guidelines – Suction Entrapment Avoidance Provisions.
- Be mindful of food and beverages while swimming. Do not chew gum or eat while in the water, as it could lead to choking. Never swim after drinking alcohol.
- Use plastic containers instead of glass around the pool.
- Obey “No Diving” signs. A general rule: enter the pool feet-first, not headfirst.
- Never dive into an above-ground pool because the water is typically too shallow.
- Never walk on the pool cover. Always ensure it’s completely removed when the pool is in use.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions. Stay alert for electrical storms. Water conducts electricity, so leave the pool immediately at the first sign of an impending storm.
- Maintain rescue equipment (e.g., pole, rope, shepherd’s crook, flotation devices) and a first aid kit by the pool.
- Keep a cordless phone poolside, programmed with emergency numbers, or post emergency contacts near the pool area.
- Learn CPR and basic first aid.
- Establish a set of pool rules and enforce them.
- Post safety rules around the pool area. For more, refer to the Recommended Guidelines – General Safety Provisions for Pools and Hot Tubs and the Backyard Pool and Spa Safety Rules sign.
- In case of emergency, always call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
Special Precautions for Children
- Always supervise children when they’re in or around the pool or any water, regardless of their swimming skills. This includes bathtubs, toilets, buckets, and any water sources.
- Create multiple safety layers around your pool to prevent young children from accessing it. For more information, check the Recommended Guidelines – General Safety Provisions for Pools and Hot Tubs.
- Fences should meet local regulations, with self-closing, self-latching gates in good working order. Do not place furniture near the fence to prevent children from climbing over.
- If your house forms part of the pool barrier, install alarms on doors leading to the pool that sound when opened unexpectedly.
- For added protection, consider a power safety cover (motor-powered barrier over the water).
- Clearly mark the transition from shallow to deep end using a float line or rope.
- Keep children away from the main drain to prevent suction entrapment. Refer to the Recommended Guidelines – Suction Entrapment Avoidance Provisions.
- Do not leave toys in the pool, as they could lure a child into the water.
- Always have children enter the water feet-first.
- Keep chemicals away from children.
- Enroll children in swimming and water safety classes.
- Establish and enforce pool rules.
- Never use flotation devices or inflatable toys as substitutes for adult supervision.
- Don’t allow children to eat or chew gum in the pool to prevent choking.
- Ensure all adults and supervisors are trained in CPR and basic first aid.
- Remind children to walk slowly in the pool area, and only enter the water with you.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions and exit the pool if storms are approaching. Water conducts electricity, so get everyone out of the pool.
- When not swimming, ensure the pool is secure so children cannot enter.
- Drain backyard wading pools or “splasher-type” pools after every use.
- For above-ground pools, secure or remove ladders when not in use.
- Drain any standing water that collects on the pool cover when it’s not in use.
Safety Sign
The Backyard Pool and Spa Safety Rules sign was created by the Canadian Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, St. John Ambulance Canada, and the Canadian Pool & Hot Tub Association.
Click on the image below to view the sign in a larger size.
Made of durable styrene, this sign is ideal for posting near gates or sheds at your poolside. It measures 11¾” x 15¾” (30.4 cm x 40.4 cm) and comes with four corner fasteners.
To purchase a Safety Sign, visit the Canadian Pool & Hot Tub Association website and select it from the list of publications.