Fence Can Reduce Swimming Pool Risks (NAPSA)—Make a fun summertime tradition safer by fencing in your swimmingpool. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 350 children under the age of five drown in swimming pools each year—most in residential pools. You can reduce the risk of accidental drowningsby installing a fence around yourpool. Many communities require barriers aroundpools, but even ifyour community doesn’t, putting up a fence makes good sense. A well constructed fence with self latching gates can significantly reduce the chancesof children having unrestricted access to yourpool. Lori Harris, of Ace Fence Co., in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., has fenced in many pools. “I would highly recommend a barrier around a pool. There’s no sense in taking unnecessary risks.” In addition to a perimeter fence, a fence between the home and the pool is recommended, especially for families with young children. “The numberone potential drowning victim is a two yearold boy, in his own pool,” according to Fred Parker, CFP, past president of the American Fence Association. “We always recommend some type of barrier between the house and thepool.” To ensure the safety of your pool, the CPSC has issued some guidelines for pool fencing. The CPSC recommendsfencing around pools be at least four feet high and fn Mull a |iki e Ornamental picket is a popular style of pool fence. include self latching mechanisms on gates. Other recommendations vary according to the style of the fence. Many fencing materials are suitable for enclosing a pool, Harris said. “Some people like wooden fences for the privacy, and others like the looks of ornamental aluminum fence, while others use the screen-like baby fence,” she explained. Vinyl and chain link fences are also used aroundpools. Harris recommends using mini mesh chain link to prevent children from climbing. If you would like more information about the CPSC’s recommendations for pool fencing or the name of a reputable fence contractor in your area, please call AFA at (800) 822-4342 or visit www.american fenceassociation.com.
