Please, keep pools a safe and fun place for everyone!

Follow the A, B, C and D's of drowning prevention:

• Adult supervision
• Barriers around your pool
• Classes for swimming and CPR
• Devices, such as personal flotation devices, life jackets and rescue tools

Adult Supervision

Water safety begins with you. Adult Supervision is critical both while swimming and when the intent is never to go swimming. In fact, it’s the number one defense against fatal and nonfatal drownings.

When adults are outnumbered by children, it is easy to get distracted and lose sight of one of them. Remember to eliminate potential distractions like talking on the phone or texting. This also means no drinking alcohol. Always be within an arm’s reach and ensure there is adequate adult supervision at all times.

At times, this means you may also need to designate a Water Watcher to supervise the entire swimming pool; keeping an eye out for all pool-goers. The Water Watcher should have a badge or ribbon, something to remind themselves and others they are responsible for the safety of kids in water.

Barriers

Children are fascinated by and attracted to water. Maintain ‘layers of protection’ by creating barriers such as a pool fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Kids should not be able to get in or out without an adult. Remember, barriers limit access to water, whether that’s a kiddie pool, toilet, or even a bucket of water it’s important to have a variety of safety measures in place.

Classes

Everyone should know how to swim! Starting as young as 6-months, children can begin to learn to swim. Swimming a lifesaving skill, no matter your age. Remember, adult supervision is not effective if you do not know how to swim. We encourage you to also take CPR classes, as there are important techniques to help save a child or adult from drowning.

Pools can be one of the best destinations for warm weather days, and a little prevention will ensure that everyone has a great time.

Devices

Create a safe pool environment. Be prepared and practice lifesaving procedures prior to an emergency situation. Lifesaving ring, shepherd’s hook, and CPR instructions should be mounted at pool side. Rescue equipment must be accessible and in good repair. Post 9-1-1 emergency number, home phone number, and home address at every telephone. Children and non-swimmers must wear personal floatation devices (PFD or life jacket) which are US Coast Guard approved around any body of open water.