For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Raynham Fire and Building Departments Remind Residents of Pool Regulations and Safety Precautions

RAYNHAM — Chief James Januse and Building Commissioner Robert Iafrate would like to provide Raynham residents with pool safety tips and remind them about the regulations around building a pool on your property.

Anyone who has installed or is planning to install a swimming pool is required to obtain a building permit through the town for all pools that contain 24 inches or more of water. This is required for both permanent and temporary pools.

The permit is required by the state in order to maintain standard safety guidelines to keep swimmers safe and to prevent possible drowning incidents or injuries.

Any pool or spa that is 24 inches or more in depth must be protected by a four foot barrier and have self-closing and self-latching gates. All portable access ladders must be removed each time after the pool are has been vacated.

All electrical connections for filters and pumps must be properly grounded.

For more information about how to obtain a permit, contact the Raynham Building Department at 508-824-2708. For a complete listing of Massachusetts building code regulations regarding swimming pools, click here.

“While we want everyone to have fun this summer, proper installation and following the state regulations helps to protect adults and children in and around pools,” Commissioner Iafrate said.

The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 children drown in swimming pools each year. Additionally, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so the Raynham Fire Department considers pool safety to be a top priority.

The Raynham Fire Department reminds residents to follow these safety regulations and recommended precautions:

• Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
• Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
• Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
• Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
• Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
• Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
• Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
• Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
• Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
• Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.

“These safety tips can help to save lives,” Chief Januse said. “Having a pool is meant to be fun, but there is also a lot of work and responsibility that comes with it.”

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