Water Safety

'THAT MEANS ANY POOL OF WATER'
 ... OCEAN, POOL, BATHTUB, CREEK, RIVER ...
Drowning claims the lives of nearly 3,000 people every year. Although all age groups are represented,
children four years old and younger have the highest death rate
due to drowning because their heads weigh more than their bodies.

 Most drowning and near-drowning incidents happen when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub.

Safety Tips

• Don't leave a child alone near water: on the beach, at a pool, or in the bathtub .... not for a second - take your child with you.
• Kids can drown in pools. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and even hot tubs
• Teach children over the age of three by qualified swimming instructors. But keep in mind that lessons don’t make your child "drown-proof."
• Always follow posted safety precautions when visiting water parks.
• If you’re visiting a public pool, keep an eye on your kids. Lifeguards aren’t babysitters.
• Teach your children these four key swimming rules:
  1. Always swim with a buddy.
  2. Don't dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.
  3. Don't push or jump on others.
  4. Be prepared for an emergency.
• Never consume alcohol when operating a boat.
• Always use approved personal flotation devices (life jackets).
• Don’t underestimate the power of water. Even rivers and lakes can have undertows.
• Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy. Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).