With school out and summer in full swing, Constable Ballesteros and Brody would like to share 8 Pool & Water Safety Tips to help ensure you and your children's summer is a safe and happy one.
1. Teach your children to swim. It’s a great life skill that can be learned when kids are young. At a minimum, ensure your children can float and tread water. Many places offer swim lessons for kids, teenagers, and even adults.
2. Keep your kids in sight at all times when they’re in the water, even if there’s a lifeguard present. If you’re with a group of parents and kids, consider having adults take turns to be the primary person to watch the children in the water.
3. Take a class in First Aid and CPR. Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.
4. Remove toys. Don't leave pool toys in the water. A child might fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.
5. Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
6. Block pool and hot tub access. Use a rigid, motorized safety cover to block access to the pool when it's not in use. Secure a cover on hot tubs. Don't allow water to collect on top of the pool or hot tub cover. Remove above ground pool steps or ladders or lock them behind a fence when the pool isn't in use. Empty inflatable pools after each use.
7. Ensure all pools, both in your backyard and any public pool you may visit, have compliant drain covers. Don't allow children to play near or sit on pool or hot tub drains. Body parts and hair can become entrapped by the strong suction.
8. For non-swimmers, use Coast Guard-approved flotation devices. Don’t rely on “water wings” or other inflatable toys to keep your little ones safe. If your child can’t swim, always stay within and arm’s reach.