Water (and Pool) Safety Tips for Summer

Did you know that each day in the United States, 10 people die due to drowning or water-related accidents, and that 4 of those are children? So that means that this Summer, approximately 360 children will die from preventable water-related accidents!


This Summer you can help lower that number by making sure you and your loved ones know how to be safe around water with these simple tips:

Make water safety your priority

1. Learn to swim - the Aquatic Center at Copper Sky offers swimming lessons for children and adults, from beginners to experienced. For more info or to register go to: https://goo.gl/zoFQ37

2. Use the buddy system - ALWAYS swim with a buddy and NEVER leave a child unattended around water. If a child goes missing, look for them in the pool or spa first.

3. Know CPR and life-saving skills - it's very important to know what to do in an emergency when minutes count! RESCUE first, call 911 second, perform CPR and rescue breathing next. You can contact the Red-cross for information on CPR and first-aid classes in the area.

4. Keep safety equipment nearby - if you own a pool or spa make sure that you have a reaching device like a long pole with a hook, a throwing device like a ring that floats, life-jackets, a first-aid kit and a cell phone that are easily reached in the event of an emergency.

5. Prevent unsupervised access to water - install and use barriers in and around your pool or spa, remove access ladders and any structures that enable access to the pool or spa such as furniture and play ground equipment, and make sure all latches are closed and locks are locked. Also keep toys that are not in use away from the pool area as these attract children.

6. Share your safety plan - Once you have a safety plan in place, make sure that your family, friends and neighbors know and understand it. Make a pledge for water safety and have everyone sign it!

To test your knowledge about water safety, take this quiz: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/water-safety/quiz

While installing safety devices and adopting water safety behaviors help ensure the safety of pools and spas, it’s also important for parents and families to advocate for water safety in their local communities and neighborhoods.

The Pool Safely campaign gives parents and families the water safety information and tools they need to become more involved in pool and spa safety efforts locally—both in their neighborhoods and the wider community.