Water is so much more exciting now that your little kid can splash and swim and dunk his or her head. It’s also a time when active supervision and basic childproofing is critical – no exceptions. The best part is it’s a great way to connect with your child with no distractions.

Top Safety Tips

1. Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
2. Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
3. A swimming pool is a ton of fun for you and your kids. Make sure backyard pools have four-sided fencing that’s at least 4 feet high and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised.
4. Teach kids never to go near or in water without an adult present. Remember that things such as water wings, noodles and other items can create a false sense of security for children and should not be used in place of life jackets.
5. Stay alert at public pools. Don’t assume someone else is watching your child. Here are a few more water safety tips around public pools, in the ocean, at lakes or other bodies of water. 
6. New parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.
7. Make sure your home pool or spa has a proper drain cover or shut-off function to prevent long hair, loose clothing or body parts from getting trapped.
8. Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
9. Every child is different, so enroll your children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children how to tread water and float.
10. When using inflatable or portable pools, remember to empty them immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach. These types of pools can pose a drowning risk.

Resources