Drowning Prevention Steps and Layers of Protection
Never leave a child
unattended near water in a pool, tub, bucket or ocean. There
is no substitute for adult supervision.
Designate a "Water
Watcher" to maintain constant watch over children in the
pool during gatherings.
The home should be isolated
from the pool with a fence at least 60" 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/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 lifesaving ring,
shepherd's hook and CPR instructions mounted at poolside.
Do not use flotation
devices as a substitute for supervision.
Never leave water in
buckets or wading pools.
Remove toys from in
and around the pool when not in use.
If a child is missing,
always check the pool first. Seconds count.
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.
Do not consider children
"drownproof" because they've had swimming lessons.
Our Mission: To Nurture, Advance and Protect the Health and Well-Being of Children
