Water Safety

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children 1-4 years old. Drowning remains in the top 5 causes of unintentional injury-related death from birth to 54 years old. Drowning is fast and silent and can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance stresses that no single device or solution can prevent child drownings. A “layers of protection” system should be used to help prevent drowning and aquatic injury. These layers include SUPERVISION, SWIMMING LESSONS, FENCES, & LIFE JACKETS. You can access more information at www.ndpa.org.

STAY CLOSE, BE ALERT, AND WATCH CHILDREN IN AND AROUND WATER

SUPERVISION during non-water activities as well as during water activities is essential. Always know where children are. Never leave a child unattended in or near water in a pool, tub, lake, river, canal, or ocean, even when lifeguards are present. Assign a “Water Watcher” who is free of distraction to maintain constant watch over children in the pool during gatherings.

LEARN AND PRACTICE WATER SAFETY SKILLS, SUCH AS SWIM LESSONS AND CPR

SWIMMING LESSONS for adults and children are an added layer of protection for water safety. Never consider children “drown proof” because they’ve had swim lessons. The lesson programs at Boost Swim School incorporate various water safety skills at each level in addition to learning swimming techniques. Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible. Anyone who lives in a home with a pool should learn CPR and post CPR instructions poolside.

HAVE PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR POOL, SUCH AS FENCES AND COVERS

FENCES are the first line of defense to restrict access to a pool or spa. The pool should be isolated from the home with a four-sided 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. Safety covers are an added layer of protection to prevent access to the water in the pool or spa. Covers should meet proper safety standards and be properly used and maintained. Window, door, gate, and pool alarms can also be an added layer of protection to create a safer environment.

ONLY USE APPROVED SWIM DEVICES

LIFE JACKETS that are properly fitted and are US Coast Guard approved should be the only device considered as a safety device. Inflatable "floaties" armbands, swim aids, pool noodles, swimming rings, and other flotation devices are toys. Parents should not consider these toys to be safety devices or as a substitute for supervision.