Swimming in Safety

In the summer heat, a splash in the pool is the ideal activity for the family. However, drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children so while you're swimming with the kids in the backyard, there are some safety concerns to consider.

Don Mays, senior director of product safety for Consumer Reports, appeared on "The Early Show" Wednesday with useful tips on how to make your pool safe for your family this summer.

Mays explained the biggest danger when it comes to pools is lack of adult supervision. No amount of gadgets or gizmos can replace an adult. He said there should be constant supervision if children are in the water and there should always be rescue equipment on hand because accidents do happen.

Public pools have this type of equipment, but private pool owners often don't think about these details. Hooks, life preserver rings, a basic first-aid kit, and a waterproof phone should always be near the pool area, he said.

Mays said hooks can easily grab someone out of the water and life rings help children float on the surface of the water in case they are too tired to swim out. A basic first-aid kit will have everything you need for minor cuts and bruises, and a water proof phone just in case you need to immediately call for help.

Mays goes on to establish what a safe pool environment should look like in your backyard. He suggests there be a barrier surrounding the pool at least four feet high that kids cannot climb, such as a fence with self-closing or self-latching gates.

Additionally, Mays said there should be an alarm on all doors in the home that lead out to the pool that can alert if you if someone has wandered into the pool area. Another alarm Mays suggests is a pool alarm.

"After testing, Consumer Reports likes Poolguard. There are different models for above and in-ground pools," said Mays, "Poolguard's model senses an underwater wave if child falls into pool and will sound an alarm in pool and in house. The top of water alarms are not as effective."

Aside from alarms, in-ground pools need safety covers. A cover made simply for solar heat or to protect from debris is not enough. If you have kids, you need a cover that will meet industry standards. Safety covers can support someone's weight if they walk on top of it. In addition, hot tubs should be covered and locked when not in use.

Inflatable pools are a very popular option for those that do not own an in-ground pool. Though inflatable pools are not too pricey, Consumer Reports recommends against them.

"They may be quick and easy to install, but they are still a drowning hazard, particularly because many if not most of these pools are installed without layers of protection from drowning," said Mays.

The larger ones can hold thousands of gallons of water and are not usually drained when not in use. And being such a cheap purchase, most don't worry about installing a fence around it. Most of these pools are left unattended, full of water, and easily accessible.

When it comes to smaller inflatable kiddie-pools, Mays said adults should make sure you drain them every night -- no exceptions. If the pool is too big to drain every night, Mays suggests a four-sided fence with a locking gate.

"With pools that are soft-sided, it's easy for a child to lean on the side and fall in. Covers don't keep kids out, and can even entrap them under water," said Mays. "From 2001-2009 there have been 209 drowning incidents in inflatable pools, 94 percent of those involve children under 5 years old."

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