✓ Make sure family members properly learn to swim
✓ Have layers of protection in place including barriers to prevent unwanted access to pools, inflatable pools, and hot tubs
✓ Know what to do in a water emergency
We explore even more life-saving water safety tips just below…
7 Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Tips
Swimming is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Water competency, which includes swimming skills and water smarts, can make water activities safer and just as much fun.
Finding a swim class and knowing what to do in an emergency are just a couple of ways that you can begin embracing water safety.
Following simple safety steps helps to ensure that a great day at the pool doesn’t turn into a tragic one. Most of these tips apply for days spent at the lake or ocean or even during bath time.
In the United States, someone dies from drowning every 10 minutes. One out of every five drowning victims is a child, and, for every child who drowns, another five children get treated for non fatal submerges.
Overall, drowning is the No. 2 leading cause of death for kids aged 5 to 14.
We’ve put together a list of 7 safety tips so you can enjoy a peace of mind when it comes to being around water.
Each section below outlines a different way that you can take action…
1. Supervise Children When They’re Near Or In Water
Always watch children when they’re in or near water, and never leave them unattended.
Designate an adult with the task of supervising children who are swimming in and around the water.
This designated person shouldn’t be reading, texting, or playing games on their phone. They should be focused and take the task seriously.
In public pool settings, parents and caregivers should still take responsibility for keeping an eye out for children in the pool, even if lifeguards are present.
When any lifeguard chair is empty, the remaining lifeguards may not be able to see the entire pool and when lifeguards are seated in low chairs, their view can be blocked by patrons in the pool.
Be vigilant and consider these things especially at a busy, public pool.
2. Make Sure Kids Learn To Swim
Not only should children learn this skill, but make sure that you know how to swim as well.
Swimming is not only fun, it’s a lifesaving skill.
3. Stay Away From Drain Entrapments
Do not play or swim near drains, pipes, or suction outlets.
This is especially true in hot tub spas and shallow pools.
Children’s hair, limbs, jewelry, and bathing suits can become trapped or stuck in faulty drain or suction openings and cause serious injuries such as dismemberment and death.
When using a hot tub, be sure to locate the emergency vacuum shutoff before getting in the water.
Even if everything looks 100% safe.
4. Don’t Enter Pools or Hot Tubs Without Proper Drain Covers
NEVER enter a pool or hot tub that has a loose, broken, or missing drain cover.
All public pools and spas must have drain grates or covers that meet safety standards to avoid life-threatening incidents.
Entrapment caused by powerful suction from a pool or hot tub drain has the power to trap a child or adult.
Public pool and spa owners should have their facilities inspected by a licensed professional engineer and install P&SS Act compliant covers.
If you see a broken or loose drain cover, immediately notify a lifeguard and the pool/spa manager.
A pool or spa with a broken, loose or missing drain cover should be closed immediately until repairs are made by a licensed professional.
Children’s public wading pools, other pools designed specifically for young children, and in-ground spas that have flat drain grates and single main drain systems pose the greatest risk of entrapment.
Report drain entrapments in pools and spas:
Call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or Email: info@cpsc.gov
5. Secure The Perimeter Of Your Pool and Hot Tub
Proper fences, barriers, alarms and covers can be lifesaving equipment:
- A fence of at least four feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children
- Use self-closing and self-latching gates
- Install an alarm on the door leading from the house to the pool
- Keep pools and hot tubs covered
- Teach children to never try climbing the gates or fence
6. Know How To Perform CPR
Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency and know what to do in a water emergency.
For instance, how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, when to call for emergency help, and when to administer CPR.
Learning CPR can help save a life. Once you’re CPR certified, make sure to keep your certification current.
We offer CPR classes within San Diego county.
You can also check your local community centers or by contacting the American Red Cross.
7. Hire A Lifeguard
Whether you are hosting a party for kids or adults or putting on a corporate event, having a trained and alert lifeguard present can make the difference between life and death.
This is why along with private swim lessons and CPR & First Aid lessons, Peace Of Mind Swimming offers a lifeguard for hire service.
We’ll send a trained, professional lifeguard to keep an eye on your event to ensure family and guests are kept safe.
See how you can book a lifeguard to monitor your next party or event in just 5 simple steps.
Conclusion
These tips are not only practical but should serve as a great reminder to stay safe when around the water.
Adopt and practice as many safety steps as possible. Also be sure to share safety instructions with family, friends, and neighbors.
Adding an extra safety step can make all the difference and most importantly, prevent an accident or drowning from happening!
Did we miss anything important from our list? Let us know in the comments section below!
