Assign an adult to supervise children in and around the swimming pool and spa. This is needed whether there is one parent or guardian present or numerous adults present such as during a family event or party.
Maintain constant eye-to-eye supervision with children in and around the swimming pool and spa.
Remove children from the swimming pool and spa area for any distraction such as a telephone call, use of restroom, etc.
Issue the adult supervisor an item such as a whistle, bracelet, etc. to reinforce which adult is in charge of the safety of the children.
Floaties or other inflatable flotation devices are not life jackets and should never be substituted for adult supervision.
Maintain a clear view (no trees, bushes or other obstacles) from the home to the swimming pool and spa.
Ensure any adult responsible for the children know the emergency services telephone number and also your location address in the event emergency personnel are needed to be called to the scene.
B = Barriers
Have a fence enclosure that isolates your swimming pool and spa from the home, play areas, front and side yards and the neighbor’s yard.
Make sure all gates in the isolation fence are self-closing and self-latching.
Multiple layers of barriers isolating the pool and spa from children should be installed. In addition to an isolation fence, one or more of the following safety features can provide the additional protection necessary:
Approved swimming pool and spa safety cover
Approved swimming pool and spa alarm
Exit alarms on doors providing access to the swimming pool and spa
Keep all doors and windows leading to the swimming pool and spa area locked
Doors providing access to the swimming pool and spa equipped to be self-closing and self-latching with a release mechanism high enough to be out of the reach of a child.
The man-door from the garage should be self-closing and self-latching with a release mechanism high enough to be out of the reach of a child
Perimeter yard fence provided with a self-closing and self-latching gate
All chairs, tables, large toys or other objects that would allow a child to climb up to reach the gate latch or enable the child to climb over the isolation fence should be removed or kept inside the fenced area.
C = Classes
Learn how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
See CPR Awareness Video on this website; or use the link on this website to the American Heart Association to sign-up for a CPR class or to purchase an at-home training kit.
Enroll your child in swimming lessons.
Use the link on this website to the YMCA to find a location for swimming lessons near you or contact your local city.