Has anyone tried those "Safety Turtle" electronic wristbands that attach to the child like a watch and sound an alarm when submerged in water? I don't have a pool but my inlaws do, in a house that is frequently chaotic with multiple dogs and frequent visitors. I am concerned about DD being there without me because MIL can't watch her 24/7 and both DH and FIL tend to be easily distracted. Have been thinking about trying the Safety Turtle, but curious about how reliable they are.

Don't allow electronic devices and fences to give you a false sense of security!!

The child of an acquaintance was able to get through a security gate and even though he had started swimming lessons (under 2 years old at the time of the accident), by the time his parents got to him and administered CPR, he had severe brain damage. He was airlifted to a pediatric trauma center and after a few days his parents had to make the agonizing decision to withdraw life support.

Electronic devices fail, all the time.

Anonymous wrote:We have alarms that sound for every door that opens to pool.
When we first opened pool, we invited lots of kids over, but I was always so nervous. Now, we have a friend or two at a time and make sure they are strong swimmers. I have occasional big parties and hire a lifeguard.

Can you please recommend a place to find lifeguards for hire? We're planning a couple of big parties this summer and I'd love to hire one or two.

Thanks!

1. Swim lessons.
2. A pool net cover for when the pool is not in use.http://www.poolnets.com/Pool_Covers.php
3. Being present and aware while kids are in pool.

We have alarms that sound for every door that opens to pool.
When we first opened pool, we invited lots of kids over, but I was always so nervous. Now, we have a friend or two at a time and make sure they are strong swimmers. I have occasional big parties and hire a lifeguard.

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain the pool alarm thing? Is it a motion sensor or something? We're thinknig of getting a pool.

My brother has one, it is wired into the pool and if it senses motion in the water it sets of an alarm. They have it all throught the house and outdoors so they can hear it wherever they are.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/home-products/pool-alarm-gate-reviews/best-pool-alarm-gate

Can someone explain the pool alarm thing? Is it a motion sensor or something? We're thinknig of getting a pool.

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a pool here but grew up around them in AZ. I would say fence (with padlock), pool alarm, and possible pool cover. I am always SHOCKED at the pools here that don't have fences around them. I actually don't think i have ever seen a pool around here with a fence. Is this not something people do here?

Back home all the pools look like this - http://kurtsironpoolfencing.com/images/Custom%20Fencing%20II/pic3.jpg

I just find it odd.

Not sure about here but in NY, where I grew up, above ground pools didn't have to be fenced, but you have to take the ladder off or have it in an upright locked position so that it couldn't be used. I think it would be hard for little kids to climb up into the pool without a ladder. My parents nor almost anyone else in out hood with an above ground pool had a fence. In ground ones were though.

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a pool here but grew up around them in AZ. I would say fence (with padlock), pool alarm, and possible pool cover. I am always SHOCKED at the pools here that don't have fences around them. I actually don't think i have ever seen a pool around here with a fence. Is this not something people do here?

Back home all the pools look like this - http://kurtsironpoolfencing.com/images/Custom%20Fencing%20II/pic3.jpg

I just find it odd.

What are you referring to? Fencing is required in MoCo:

http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/frs-safe/resources/laws/pools.asp

In FFX, VA:

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/pool.pdf

Where are you seeing these pools w/o fences?

I don't have a pool here but grew up around them in AZ. I would say fence (with padlock), pool alarm, and possible pool cover. I am always SHOCKED at the pools here that don't have fences around them. I actually don't think i have ever seen a pool around here with a fence. Is this not something people do here?

Back home all the pools look like this - http://kurtsironpoolfencing.com/images/Custom%20Fencing%20II/pic3.jpg

I just find it odd.

Swim lessons as early as possible, ours started before they turned 3, just getting them used to being in water. Sturdy pool fence. Not allowing kids near the pool area (fenced in area) without adult supervision. Besides, keeping an eye on kids in a small private pool is easier than in a large, crowded public pool. When we have guests or several adults, we always have one designated person to only concentrate on watching the kids, no matter what other adults do, we switch.

We taught them to swim.

fence

being vigilant

We have a 9 and 5 year old. They don't enter the pool area w/o adult supervision. The 9 yo is an excellent swimmer, but the 5 yo isn't!

Swim lessons help!

fence, pool alarm,

Please share your tips for keeping your kids, and their friends, safe in your pool. I'm new at this.