Pool safety crucial for summer fun

If you’re headed to the pool with kids this summer, you should create a plan to keep them safe around the water.

The first step is figuring out who’s going to watch the kids at the pool. Since a drowning can happen in seconds, it needs to be someone who’s not drinking alcohol, on their phone or distracted in any way.

The designated “water watcher” should make sure the kids are taking breaks from swimming and drinking plenty of water.

“It’s not enough to have just a fence around your pool,” said Dr. Genon Wicina, with Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “Have one that is climb-proof, that’s the right height, that has locking gates.”

It’s also a good idea to have someone nearby who knows CPR and to keep flotation devices handy if needed.

If you have a pool at home, Wicina adds to make sure it’s secure.