TALK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Share Pool and Spa Safety information with families who have children. Give your friends and neighbors Water Watcher cards and teach them how to be better Water Watchers:
- Water Watchers should be responsible adults. You should not depend on older children to watch younger children.
- Water Watchers supervise children in and near water – without being distracted. That means no phone calls, no text messaging, no reading books or magazines, no alcohol. Your primary focus as a Water Watcher should be watching the children.
- Water Watchers are not just for the lake or pool. Children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water, in any body of water. This includes oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, puddles, kiddie pools, public and backyard pools, spas, bathtubs, toilets, buckets and the list goes on!
- Water Watchers should be prepared. If there is an emergency, do you know what to do? Learn how to swim, how to use rescue equipment and learn CPR. Keep a phone near you and use it only to call for help if there is an emergency. These skills may help you save a child’s life.
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Resources: Post information about the Water Watcher Card, the checklist and brochure in your community: school, day care, local pool, grocery store, etc.
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Invite parents and caregivers to take a class with you:
- Learn about boating safety
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Resources: it is easy to find out when classes are offered in your community. Print out a schedule and share it at your kids' school, day care, boat house or in other community spaces:
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TALK TO COMMUNITY POOL OPERATORS
Before your child goes to a public pool or spa, ask the manager if the following anti-entrapment protections are in place:
- Are pool drain covers broken or missing?
- Does this pool/spa have anti-entrapment drain covers?
- Does this pool/spa have a single main drain? If so, is there a back-up device that will automatically shut down the pump if something or someone becomes entrapped by the suction of the drain?
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Resources: It is not hard. Simply print out this page and the fact sheet and ask the manager about anti-entrapment protection. While you are there you might as well give them some pool safety tips as well (see above: Talk To the Community).
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TALK TO KIDS
- Teach children how to swim.
- Teach children to never swim alone.
- Teach children to never play or swim near pool drains.
- Teach children to follow water safety rules.
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Resources: Make sure to take the time to teach your kids a few basic rules before you head to the beach.
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SHARE OUR MESSAGE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND BLOGS
- Post a badge on your blog or Facebook page with a link to our water safety guide. Just copy and paste the code below each image.
- “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – get updates on water safety and other child injury prevention information.
- Donate your Facebook status and link to our Water Safety Guide
BADGES:
CODE***http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/water-safety-at-home/ "> alt="Learn About Water Safety at Home" border="0" src="http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/images/widget-home.png" />***
CODE***http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/open-water-safety/ "> alt="Learn About Beach & Boating Safety" border="0" src="http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/images/widget-boating.png" />***
CODE***http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/pool-and-spa-safety/ "> alt="Learn About Pool & Spa Safety" border="0" src="http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/images/widget-pool.png" />***
CODE***http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/take-action/ "> alt="Take Action to Keep Kids Safe Around the Water" border="0" src="http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/water-safety-guide/images/widget-take-action.png"/>***
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| Where do I learn CPR? |
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| Contact your local health department, hospital or visit the American Red Cross website to locate a local Chapter that offers courses year-round. |
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| Where do I learn to swim? |
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| To find swimming lessons, contact your local parks and recreation department, an aquatics center or visit the YMCA website to find a YMCA near you. |
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| How do I stay safe boating? |
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| If you and your family boat frequently, consider taking a boating safety class through the U.S. Coast Guard. |
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