Summer water safety

Now that summer is in full swing, I think it's time to take a look at water safety.  I've heard so many stories on the news about tragic drownings of young children in our area.  There are a number of things that you can do to protect your little ones in and out of the pool this summer;  if you have a pool, make sure your kids know how to swim.  It's never too early to put them in swim lessons.  Aidan will be 9 months old on Thursday, and we start swim lessons tomorrow.  We have a pool in our back yard, and while Nick and I are good swimmers, we also want Aidan to learn to swim as early as possible.

Here are some other tips and ideas for keeping your kids safe this summer!

Pools and spas will be used more frequently as warmer weather arrives. Learn how to create safer pool and spa environments for children and what you can do to make your home pool or spa safer.

	Put up a fence that is at least 4 feet high and is around all sides of the pool or spa. The fence should have a locking gate that closes and latches by itself.
	Use door, gate and pool alarms.
	Cover and lock pools and spas when you are not using them.
	Remove or lock ladders to above ground pools and spas.
	Use approved anti-entrapment drain covers and back up devices.
	Always watch children when they are in or near water.
	When you are watching children, don’t be distracted by phone calls, text messages, reading or talking to others.
	Watch children even if they know how to swim.
	Children who can’t swim well or can’t swim at all should be within your reach and wear life jackets.
	Keep a phone near you – use it only to call for help if there is an emergency.
	If a child is missing, check the water first.
	Learn how to swim – both children and adults should know how to swim.
	Learn how to correctly choose and use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
	Learn how to use rescue equipment.
	Learn adult and infant CPR.
	Teach children never to swim alone.
	Teach children not to play or swim near pool or spa drains.
	Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children.
	Most children were being watched by an adult just before they drowned.
	Approximately 400 children age 14 and younger drown in pools and spas each year (CPSC).
	Home swimming pools are the most common place for a child younger than age 5 to drown.
	Water Watcher Card: English | Español
	Water Watcher Card Instructions
	Pool Safety Checklist: English | Español
	Pool Safety Brochure: English | Español
	Residential Pool and Spa Safety Fact Sheet
	Water Safety Kids Activity Book

*information from Safe Kids USA

*edited by Jenn