HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCES POOL SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Spring is here, summer is coming, and that means pool season is imminent. Are you protected? Last year Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission launched a residential pool safety campaign in order to help local pool owners take steps to protect their pool from the conditions that contribute to injury or death.
The program provides a free on-site consultation to inform and educate homeowners in the communities of Bound Brook, Green Brook, South Bound Brook, Warren, and Watchung regarding essential code requirements and safety equipment for residential pools. All in-ground pools, and above ground pools with a depth of two feet or more are eligible.
Upon request, a qualified representative of the Commission will respond to the homeowner’s residence to conduct an on-site inspection in the presence of the homeowner. The Commission’s representative will discuss with the homeowner any deficiencies that should be improved in order to assure the safety of bathers, as well as members of the community. The owner will be provided with a 28-point checklist documenting those areas where improvements should be made. The Commission will also give the homeowner an informative leaflet pertaining to pool safety and code requirements.
Mr. Kevin Sumner, Health Officer and Director of the Commission, said that its members became concerned after media reports of tragic accidents in nearby municipalities. Commission Vice President Greg Riley suggested that the Commission take some action to reduce the risk posed by residential pools. Although Boards of Health regulate and inspect public bathing facilities, there are no laws requiring routine inspections of residential pools. As a result, “Inspection and maintenance is spotty, potentially compromising safety,” said Sumner. Thus this safety campaign was born.
The purpose of the Commission’s free consultation is to inform and educate. Other than the checklist, the Commission will not make any other report or take any enforcement action. “We really want homeowners to take advantage of this program. Pools are great places for fun and relaxation on those hot summer days, but they can be deadly, especially for children,” Riley said.
Now is the time homeowners are opening or thinking about opening their pools and so it is a perfect time to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Call the Commission at 732-968-5151, or by visiting the Commission offices located in the Green Brook Municipal Building at 111 Greenbrook Road. You can also email the Commission at mbrhc@middlebrookhealth.org.
We baby proof our homes, shouldn’t we child proof our pools?
