Layers of Protection…Safety First!
Here is a list of simple layers of protections to prevent drowning and water-related injury:
| Water Safety Tips |
- Educate children and adults about water safety.
- Never leave a child unattended near water in a pool, tub, bucket or ocean. There is no substitute for adult supervision.
- Teach kids survival swimming skills.
- Kids that are not strong swimmers should wear US Coast Guard-approved, well-fitting life jackets. (Be aware they don’t make your child drown-proof — still keep constant watch.)
- Set water safety rules for the whole family — for example, kids should never swim alone, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep, don’t dive into water less than 9 feet deep, stay away from pool drains, pipes and other openings, etc.
- Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible and only swim in designated swimming areas.
- Make sure kids have constant supervision when they’re in or around water. Designate at least one adult “water watcher” at all times. If you’re with a group, have adults take turns.
- The home should be isolated from the pool with a fence at least 60 inches tall, with a self-closing, self-latching gate. The gate should open away from the pool, and should never be propped open.
- Doors and windows should be alarmed to alert adults when opened. Doors should be self-closing and self-latching.
- Power-operated pool safety covers are the most convenient and efficient. Solar or floating pool covers are not safety devices.
- Keep a phone at poolside so that you never have to leave the pool to answer the phone and can call for help if needed.
- Learn CPR and rescue breathing.
- Keep a life-saving ring, shepherd’s hook and CPR instructions mounted at poolside.
- Only use proper and approved floatation devices. Do not confuse proper and approved floatation devices with toys.
- Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
- Never leave water in buckets or wading pools.
- If a child is missing, always check the pool first.
- Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use.
- Don’t use floating chlorine dispensers that look like toys.
- Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards, and emphasize the need for constant supervision.
- Responsibilities of pool ownership include ensuring children in the home learn to swim and that adults know CPR.
- Swimming lessons and life jackets do not replace supervision. Always watch kids in and around water.
- Ensure pools and spas have compliant drain covers, and are kept in working order.
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