Keeping Children Safe In, On, and Around the Water
Watch children around any water environment no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water. It is important to keep a close watch on children when they are near pools, streams, lakes, bath tubs, toilets, and bucket of waters. For younger children, practice "Reach Supervision" by staying within an arm's length reach.
Don't rely on flotation devices and inflatable toys. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Toys and flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
Lifeguards should be required at all outside facilities. Inquire with the proper personel to encourage lifeguard safety.
Enroll children in a water safety course or a Learn-to-Swim class. These courses encourage safe practices and provide refresher courses for children who already know how to swim.
Parents should take a CPR course. Knowing CPR can be life-saving if a child is involved in a water accident.
