07/30/2022
-Supervision-69% of child drownings happen when the children aren’t meant to be in the water. They often happen after swim time is over. They sneak back to the water because they don’t want to be done swimming. Supervision is critical during swim time, but also after swim time is over.
-Locks and Alarms-Should be on all windows and doors leading to water, including dog doors and perimeter fences. Locks should be high up, so kids can’t reach them.
-Pool Safety Fences-5ft high, non-climbable, mesh-paneled fence around your pool that completely surrounds the pool with a self-closing, self-latching and locking gate.
-Survival Swim Lessons-Skill your kids in the water! Don’t rely on flotation devices, because if/when they sneak back to the water, they won’t have those on. Give them survival swim lessons instead, so they can save themselves if they ever were to sneak back to water without you. Always maintain one-on-one touch supervision with non-swimmers in and around water.
-Don’t rely on rules alone to keep your kids from going to the water. Young kids break rules when they really want something. They don’t have the brain development to have good impulse control skills yet. Teach them never to go to water without you, but don’t rely on that to save their lives.
-Take all toys and fun things out of the water after every time they are used. Kids are already attracted to water. These things make it even more of a temptation for them, especially if they see a favorite toy in the water.
-Learn and practice CPR. Always have at least one person who knows CPR with you at swim time.
