How can I ensure the safety of the pool area and the Guest?

Pools are meant to be enjoyed, so take these simple steps to ensure the safety and security of both yourself and your Guests:

Water Safety Guidelines for Hosts

• When used properly, chlorine kills waterborne bacteria and parasites in a way that’s harmless to humans. Remember to keep all pool chemicals locked up and away from the pool area.
  
• Hosts should have first aid kits available next to the pool area and notify Guests on how to access the first aid kit in the event of an emergency. A poolside kit should also contain a first aid blanket for anyone retrieved from the water after nearly drowning, as they will likely be in shock. Other recommended items to keep near the pool area include portable telephones, US Coast Guard-approved life jackets, throwable life preservers (ring buoys), reaching poles, a shepherd's hook and scissors to cut hair, clothing or a pool cover if needed.
• Ensure your address is posted in the pool area in case of an emergency as the Guest will need to be able to give the address to First Responders.
• Ask Guests to always supervise children and remain in arm’s reach. Ask Guests to designate an undistracted adult (a Water Guardian) to always watch children while in and around the pool.  You can order Water Guardian badges for your Guests from our water safety partners at Colin’s Hope. 
• Signage - Post signage that clearly communicates pool safety rules, areas for Guests to avoid, or other instructions to keep Guests aware and safe. Here's examples of Safety Signs & Equipment to have at your pool.
•  
• The pool area should be secured with a fence that has a self-closing, self latching and locking gate. These gates should never be left propped open.
• Please ask Guests to remove all toys from the pool when they are finished. Toys can draw young children to the pool.
• Pool drains should be VGB compliant and checked regularly to ensure the covers are intact and not broken, cracked or missing screws. A faulty drain cover can result in a person becoming entrapped on the drain.

Water Safety Guidelines for Guests

• Read and follow all pool safety rules.
• Always supervise children and remain in arm’s reach. Designate an undistracted adult (a Water Guardian) to always watch children while in and around the pool. 
• Learn to Swim - All guests should have basic swimming skills (floating on back, going under the water and surfacing, ability to safely enter and exit the pool) before signing up and entering a host's pool. 
•  Those who cannot swim or do not have basic swimming skills should wear US Coast Guard approved life jackets. These floatation devices are an extra layer of protection in addition to visual supervision. They should not take the place of adult supervision.
• Children should not run around the pool or be in the pool area by themselves. 
• Everyone should stay away from pool drains and jets.  
• There should be no roughhousing, breath holding games, dunking or throwing children.
• Learn Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - We highly recommend that at least one adult guest is CPR certified.
• Know the address of the pool in case you need to call 911.