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Swimming Pools

• Do not substitute pool toys, such as rafts or inner-tubes in place of flotation devices. The toys are designed to entertain children in the water, not to prevent drowning.
• Remove pool toys immediately after pool time is over. Children may be attracted to toys in the pool.
• Install a four-sided pool fence that is at least 4 feet high, has vertical bars and separates the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that close and latch automatically, open outward, and make sure the latches are out of a child’s reach. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide.
• Install a telephone by the pool so you can dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Oceans, Lakes and Rivers

• Always use US Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating.
• If you are swimming and get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore; once free of the current, swim toward shore.
• Research weather conditions before planning a day on the water. Strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning strikes are very dangerous.

General Water Safety Tips

• Learn to swim! The best thing you can do to stay safe in the water is to learn to swim if you don’t know how.
• Designate a responsible adult to watch young children in or around water, including the bathtub. The supervising adult should be completely focused on the children (not watching television or reading a book) and avoid drinking alcohol.
• Never swim alone.
• Always enter water feet-first, except if the area is clearly marked for diving (headfirst is acceptable in this case).
• Be knowledgeable of where you’re swimming – inform those swimming with you of currents, deep and shallow areas and obstructions.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your CPR skills could save someone’s life.

For more helpful tips, view water-related injuries information from the Centers for Disease Control.

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Drowning Prevention Tips