Water Safety Tips
Swim safe kids!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes that learning to swim should be a priority for every family and that swim lessons are one of the layers of protection
against drowning. Drowning is the leading cause of
injury death in the U.S. for children ages 1 - 4 years old.
1
Supervision! Supervision!
Supervision.
Nothing takes the place of knowing where your child is at all times.
2
Use Barriers of Protection!
Door Alarms: Be sure they are in working order and loud enough to be heard by all.
Pool Fences: Fences should be at least 4 feet high, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates. Pool fences work only if they are used correctly. Drowning may happen when the gate is left open, or the pool fence is taken down for a party, maintenance, or a storm (hurricane, etc.), and it’s not put back into its proper place promptly. Teach all members of the family to always close the gate behind them, then recheck.
Pool Alarms: There are devices available at local pool supply stores that remain in the pool.
Swimming Lessons: It is important to remember that swimming lessons for a child are just one of the “Barriers of Protection.” Swimming lessons are never a guarantee of total water safety. Nothing takes the place of supervision!
3
Learn C.P.R.!
For information on learning CPR, please call our office to attend an instructional class at 575-SWIM or contact the AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION or AMERICAN RED CROSS.
4
Toy Hazard!
When not in use, keep toys out of the pool.
5
Hire a Lifeguard!
While hosting parties where children will be attending, hire a certified and trained lifeguard.
6
Keep a telephone on the porch for emergencies!
Remember:
Pools are not the only place where children can drown. There are lakes, rivers, ponds, canals, toilets, bathtubs, buckets of water, and additional containers that hold water.
It still goes back to Supervision! Supervision! Supervision!