Derry fire department issues winter pool warning
DERRY — A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 or younger.
The Derry Fire Department would like to remind all residents to continue to consider pool safety when you close your pool for the season. Solar pool covers and winter pool covers are not safety covers. Covers that meet pool safety cover requirements will have ASTM F1346-91 clearly identified on the label.
The rules for securing a pool still apply in the winter months. A pool cover or ice could pose an additional entrapment hazard to children and pets.
The best way to protect children from drowning is to use layers of protection.
If a child is missing, always look in the pool. Seconds count. Knowing how to swim does not make a child drown-proof.
Install barriers completely around pool, a 4-foot fence at minimum. Gates should be self-latching and open outward. Learn CPR.
Refer to the town of Derry Web site (click on Fire Department page; Safety Tips page: Swimming Pool Safety page) for a list of requirements on how a pool must be secured. The Web site is http://www.derry.nh.us/Pages/index.
If you have a question regarding the security of a pool in your neighborhood, contact Bob Mackey, code enforcement officer, at 432-6148.
