With many public pools closed this summer due to COVID-19, many families have purchased backyard pools from small to large. Hanging out at the pool, lake, or beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. But before you dive in, consider these water safety tips.
Keep watch.
Always watch children when they’re in or near a pool or spa. If multiple adults are present, designate one of them to watch the children for a designated amount of time and then rotate. When everybody’s watching, nobody’s watching. Taking turns being on official “water-watching duty will prevent lapses in supervision.
Buddy up!
Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you're swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake.
Know your limits.
If you're not a good swimmer or you're just learning to swim, don't go in water that's so deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers.
Don’t forget kiddie pools.
A child can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Even the most shallow wading pool requires constant supervision and should be drained and placed well out of reach when it’s not being used.
Don’t rely on inflatables.
Water wings, floaties, inner tubes or noodles
are pool toys. These items are no substitute for life jackets or other personal flotation devices. Kids playing with inflatables, especially large ones, still need supervision, as they can pose a risk for children becoming stuck underneath them.
Talk about it.
Talk with your kids about all aspects of water safety. Nearly 70% of childhood drownings happen when kids aren’t swimming; they may wander over to a neighbor’s yard, slip through an unlocked back door during playtime, or tumble into a kiddie pool filled with rain water. Teach young children that water can be dangerous and they should not go in or near it without an adult.
