For many young children, a dip in the backyard baby pool is the quintessential summer experience.
While larger residential and public pools require filtration and chlorine to protect against harmful bacteria, baby pools can sometimes escape the safety spotlight.

As young children are especially vulnerable to accidental drowning and infection from germs, it is necessary to maintain a high level of attentiveness around baby pools.

Providing children with a safe environment in which to play is an important part
of ensuring summertime fun. In an effort to heighten awareness around
baby pool safety, the Public Health Advisory Board would like to offer
your readers the following tips:

• Never leave children unattended. Children can drown in as little as
  one inch of water in a matter of seconds. Drowning is the second leading
  cause of injury-related deaths among children ages 1-4 and usually occurs
  during a brief lapse in supervision.
• Keep emergency phone numbers and equipment nearby. As with any pool,
  adult supervisors should be trained in CPR.
• Change baby pool water regularly. Frequent use of baby pools can result
  in a build up of dirt and bacteria. Water utilities use chlorine to
  remove germs from our household water supply. By frequently changing
  baby pool water, you can maximize the protection that chlorine provides.
• Children should wear tight-fitting plastic pants around diapers (or
  pool-safe diapers) to prevent accidental discharge of contamination
  into the pool.
• When taking a break, completely empty the baby pool to protect against unintentional
  drowning.

When you follow these simple guidelines, it is easy to be safe and cool with baby pools!