Cheap inflatable swimming pools a danger for children

In anticipation of the summer swimming season, the CPSC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have released their annual pool-safety tips - many of which we've seen here before at P&B. Consumer Reports has another excellent water safety tip just in time for swim season - "Don’t buy an inflatable pool unless you plan to empty it immediately after each use."

Why empty the pool?

• Inflatable pools can hold thousands of gallons of water and it just takes a few inches of water to drown a child.
• Inflatable pools lack a surrounding layers of protection such as a gate or fence.
• Inflatable pools have soft sides, making it incredibly easy for a curious new walker or toddler to topple in.

According to Consumer Reports, 209 drowning incidents associated with inflatable pools were reported to the CPSC from 2001 through 2009 and the majority of drownings (94%) involved children younger than five. If you have an inflatable pool you're already putting your child at risk. Consumer Reports notes that even an inflatable pool should have a gate or other barrier around it - just in case you can't or forget to empty it. However, they also note that most parents who buy a cheap pool aren't likely to pay for a barrier that can cost many times more than the pool itself. Unless you're 100% sure that you'll empty the pool after each use - I suggest skipping an inflatable swimming pool for your baby. There are other fun water toys for your little one that don't pose such a danger. Coming up we'll look at some safer water toys.