Build a Safety Post

Lifesaving Equipment
In addition to a safe pool design, and sensible pool safety rules, a safe backyard pool needs a "Safety Post," a central location with lifesaving devices, emergency information, and other safety equipment.

Here's what we recommend you keep at your "Safety Post."

First Aid Kit
Keep a second first aid kit by the pool (you already have a first aid kit in the house, don't you?). Make sure your poolside first aid kit includes sunscreen (at least SPF 15, or "High").

Keep a telephone handy and a list of emergency numbers. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.)

Shepherd's Hook
This is a long, lightweight pole with a metal "hook" at one end. A victim grabs the hook and can be pulled to safety.

Buoy
Also called a "ring buoy." This should have a lightweight, high-visibility floating towline attached to it so you can throw it into the pool and pull the victim to safety. (NOTE: Attach something at the end of the tow line, even a big knot will do, to keep the line from slipping out of your grasp as you throw).

Buoyed Safety Line
Use buoyed lines to show where the depth changes from shallow to deep (this "float line" can serve as a lifeline and keep weak swimmers in the shallow end of the pool).

These pages are dedicated to the memory of John Colloton.

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