The ability to have a pool at your home is one of the benefits of suburban life in the Town of Hempstead. You can make the use of your pool more enjoyable by making safety a top priority.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths to children ages 14 and under. A temporary lapse in supervision is a common factor in most drownings and near-drownings. Children can drown in a matter of seconds - the amount of time it takes to answer the phone. I would like to take this opportunity to remind Town of Hempstead residents about some pool safety tips.

Parental supervision of children near or in a pool is a critical safety measure. It is also important to remember that every second counts in preventing a tragedy. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.

Fences are an important safety feature when pools are installed. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. Steps and ladders leading from the ground to the pool should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use. Rescue equipment should be kept by the pool in case of an emergency. A telephone and emergency numbers should also be posted near the pool.

Communicating pool safety measures with all child care providers is an important safeguard. It is also important that anyone who is providing child care be trained in CPR in case of an emergency. You can contact the American Red Cross of Nassau County at 747-3500 for CPR training information.

When considering the installation of a swimming pool it is also important to comply with the codes set forth by the Town of Hempstead. The regulations are put in place to protect the health and welfare of our residents. Specific requirements can be obtained by contacting the town's building department at 812-3088.

I hope that all our residents enjoy a safe and healthy summer.