(HealthDayNews) -- The opening of outdoor pools is a sure sign of warmer weather. But before you haul the tarpaulin off your pool, review these rules from the U.S. National Safety Council:

  • Your pool should be surrounded by at least a 5-foot-high childproof fence with latching gates, and a pool alarm for extra protection.
  • Never leave kids unattended around a pool.
  • Enroll your kids in swim classes when they're three or four years old.
  • Teach water safety habits, such as no running, pushing or dunking.
  • Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets to keep kids afloat.
  • Get certified in infant and child CPR.
  • Don't let your kids jump or dive into the shallow end of the pool. Water must be at least five feet deep for safe diving.



-- Felicity Stone

Last Updated: Apr-22-2004