After Tragic Death, 5 Water Safety Tips for Your Family

Fence it off: If you have a swimming pool, install an unclimbable, five-foot fence that surrounds the pool/spa on all four sides and separates the area from the residence. Fence openings should be no more than four inches wide so children cannot squeeze through the spaces. Lawn furniture, trees and shrubs should not be close enough to act as a boost to climb over the fence. Use self closing and self latching gates that open outward, and have latches that are out of a child’s reach. Pool covers are NOT protection. Covers can be deceptive, as they appear to be a solid surface to children but can give out under pressure. Consider buying a pool alarm system that floats in the pool and signals an alarm when there is a disturbance in the water.

Make life jackets a requirement: Never rely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child. Twenty-five percent of all drowning victims have had swimming lessons. Instead, require all persons to wear Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices when involved in water-related recreational activities, regardless of swimming ability. Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as “water wings”, “noodles”, or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets (personal flotation devices). These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.

In case of emergency: The Red Cross offers the following procedure if a child is missing: Check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If you own a home pool or hot tub, have appropriate equipment readily available, including reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit. Consider enrolling in American Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.