Backyard Safety

Your backyard should be a place where you and your family can relax and have fun. The following simple precautions can keep backyard hazards to a minimum.

• Put garden tools and game equipment back in place after you use them. They can cause a fall if they are left laying around.
• Keep your walkways and driveway in good condition. Make repairs before an accident happens.
• Securely anchor children's outdoor play equipment, such as slides and swings. Make sure they are in good repair and check regularly for worn or broken parts.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance away when you operate a mower or other power equipment.
• If you have a clothesline, make sure it is above head level. Walking into a clothesline can be dangerous.
• Shut off your power mower when you are emptying the grass catcher. Disconnect the power, empty the gas tank, and remove spark plug before you clean or repair mowers.
• If you have a swimming pool, it should be surrounded by a high fence, that can't be climbed. The fence should be secured by a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Never let children swim unattended, no matter what the depth or how experienced your child may be. For a small child, even an inch of water can be dangerous.
• For swimmers five and under, the YMCA encourages the use of U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices. Unapproved devices such as water wings, floats, and rings should only be used with adult supervision and never where a child cannot comfortably stand with his head above water.