Summer Safety: Pools and Water

• Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool every 10 seconds, and reach the water within 20 seconds.
• Always have rescue devices, such as UL-LISTED life preservers (ex: life jacket or buoys), nearby.
• Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate. They often promote a false sense of security and are NEVER a substitute for proper supervision.
• Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water. This is true for water tables or other fun stations that use water.
• Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted. If you are using a cell phonc
• If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach.
• Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.
• Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.
• Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you are planning any visits or vacations around water. Your local Red Cross chapter may even have instructors who are willing to come to your home to teach a group of parents.