SEATTLE - A swimming pool can be an oasis of fun and relaxation during hot summer days, but a good time can turn tragic if you don't exercise safety and responsibility.

More than 3,400 people drown each year, averaging 10 deaths per day, and one in five drowning victims is a child 14 years old or younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"It's important to make sure your pool is only accessible to your guests," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president. "After that, you need to be vigilant and follow safety precautions, especially when young children are swimming or playing near the water."

Injuries to guests using your pool are covered by your Homeowners Insurance policy up to the limits of your Liability Coverage. Your Liability Coverage also will pay your legal defense costs, up to the coverage limits, if you are sued because of an injury to a guest.

Standard Homeowners Insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 Liability Coverage. Most insurers offer Liability Coverage up to $500,000 per incident. If you need more coverage, ask your agent or insurance company about an Umbrella Liability Policy. Umbrella policies offer an additional liability protection of $1 million to $5 million.

NW Insurance Council and the Insurance Information Institute (III) offer the following safety tips to help you, your family and guests enjoy the pleasures of a swimming pool:

• Never leave small children unsupervised - even for a few seconds.
• Install fencing around the swimming pool area to keep young children and others from using your pool without your knowledge.
• Keep children away from pool filters. The suction force may injure them or prevent them from surfacing.
• Make sure everyone using your pool knows how to swim. Novice swimmers should be accompanied by good swimmers.
• Inspect the pool area regularly for glass bottles, toys or other potential hazards.
• Never dive into an above-ground pool and always check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool.
• Don't swim in the rain or during lightning storms.
• Keep electronic equipment away from the pool and wet pool decks.
• Don't swim alone.
• Don't allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to swim in the pool.

For more information about swimming pool safety or other insurance issues, contact the NW Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942.

NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

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