Safety gadgets can help make pools safer

Memorial Day is synonymous with the beginning of backyard swimming pool fun.

But swimming pools can also be dangerous.

There are some new products on the market to help adults keep their children safe in pools.

The "Safety Turtle" is highly recommended for use with both children and pets by Leslie's Swimming Pool Supply Assistant Store Manager Ruben Hernandez.

"You actually set-up a receiver in your house ... The other part of the receiver is a wristband on your child's wrist. If it is submerged - the sensor will sound an alarm," Hernandez said.

Another type of alarm is the "Pool Guard," which he said shoots a laser across the pool, sounding an alarm when the laser is disturbed, although he said sometimes false alarms will sound if a large object falls into the pool.

Hernandez said his store has sold "quite a few sensors - especially for new homes ... Every door that leads directly to the backyard or pool has to have an alarm on it," he said.

Latching and self-closing gates are also important in preventing pool accidents.

Hernandez likes the "Safety Fence" because it is sturdy but not permanent. He said it is a four to five foot tall mesh fence, which can be placed into a deck, and it supports itself.

"There is nothing to put feet into to climb it. You don't need a gate. You can roll a section up for a gate. It's not permanent - when your kids get older, you can store it,"

Hernandez said.

He also recommended gates with spring-loaded hinges that are self closing each time the gate is opened.

Hernandez said safety gate latches are also available with an "elongated magnet latch attached to the fence" that closes the latch high up on the fence and can be locked with a key.

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SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS:

- Never leave children unsupervised around water, especially rivers and lakes.

- Even adults shouldn't swim alone. Always use the 'buddy system.'

- Be careful of your footing. Drop-offs and underwater snags can be hazardous.

- Always wear an approved personal flotation device when you are boating.

- Alcohol can increase a person's risk of drowning by impairing judgment and perception.

- Stay hydrated, but avoid heavily sugared, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

- Learn CPR, and take a refresher course if you have not taken a class recently.

Source: Mike Erfert, Yuma Fire Department

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Nicole Squibbs can be reached at nsquibbs@yumasun.com or 539-6855.