Water Safety page 2

Pool Safety
Make sure your pool is secure when not in use. It's important to have layers of safety. 

• Install a door alarm to warn you if your child has opened the door leading to the pool. And use an alarm in the pool itself.

• Install a fence around the entire perimeter of your pool. This should be approximately 2 ft from the edge of the water and preferably 5 ft high. There should also be a self-closing and self-locking gate.

• Clear the area of any riding toys and chairs that your child could use as leverage to climb over the fence.

• Install a power safety cover over the pool that meets established standards.

• For above ground pools, be sure steps and ladders leading to the pool are secured and locked when not in use.

 
Beach Safety

• Make sure you read any posted surf warnings and have your children swim only in areas where a lifeguard is on duty.

• Older kids who are swimming by themselves should understand the dangers of the undertow and what to do if they get caught in it (swim parallel to shore until you get past the affected area - don't try to swim against it!).

Kids and Water

• In many drowning instances, one parent thought the other was watching the child. Have the parent who is in charge wear a wrist band as a visual reminder that he or she is “on duty."

• Keep a cordless phone near the pool so you don't have to leave the area to answer a call.

• If you are having a pool party with a group of kids, establish a buddy system. Every 10 minutes yell, "Buddy Check!" and have each child find his buddy.

• Avoid using flotation devices as this can give your child a false sense of security.

• If your child has had swimming lessons, never assume this means he or she can't drown!

Most importantly, make sure that anyone who cares for your child is certified in infant and toddler CPR and First Aid.

Visit The Cradle Playroom to find CPR classes near you.