POOL SAFETY
Swimming is an enjoyable activity that can offer hours of entertainment for your loved ones. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that any body of water, including a pool, can pose serious risks, particularly to young children who may lack knowledge of these dangers.
For important information and safety tips, visit the United States Consumer Product Commission (CPSC) pool safety website and/or the Red Cross Pool safety pages.
Please read all warnings on packaging
as well as the below tips:
Be sure everyone knows the basics of how to swim and stay afloat in the water.
Maintain constant supervision over children in or near the pool. Do not walk away or allow yourself to be distracted, even for a minute.
Ensure the area around the pool is free from items (such as tables and chairs) that can be used by a child to gain access to the pool.
Take time to learn CPR and other First Aid.
Do NOT dive into inflatable pools under any circumstances. Diving into shallow pools can shallow cause serious injury, including death or paralysis.
Secure your pool with appropriate barriers to keep infants or pets from climbing or accidentally falling into the pool.
Pool toys such as inflatable arm bands or ring floats are not to be used as life-saving devices. Do not leave children unattended with pool items or toys.
Do not sit or lay onto inflatable pool walls as this may cause the pool to tip over.
Check your local laws and regulations for pool fencing or pool alarm requirements.
Stay clear of all drains and suction fitting. Your hair, body or jewelry can be sucked into the drain.
Designate a WATER WATCHER
In a group setting, tragedies often occur because people assume someone else is supervising the children in the water. Along with close and active supervision by parents or caregivers, designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility it is to supervise children during any in- water activity until the next person takes over.
An appropriate water watcher:
- Is at least 16 years of age (adults preferred).
- Has the skills, knowledge and the ability to recognize and rescue someone in distress or can immediately alert someone nearby who does or can.
- Knows CPR or can immediately alert someone nearby who can.
- Has a working phone to call for emergency help, which is typically 9-1-1.
Has a floatation device and/or reaching object that can be used in a rescue. - Is ALERT and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or distracted by texting, telephone, or talking to others or reading.
Make your own water watcher card to ensure that your water watcher is clearly identifiable to all. Rotate water watchers in designated periods of time, such as every 15 minutes. As water watchers rotate, pass the card to the new water watcher.
Download and print your Water Watcher Card by clicking on the image below:
