Pool Safety Tips

Water with its rippling, shimmering appeal is a magnet for children. Children under the age of five have no fear of water and no concept of death. They associate water with play, not with danger. Adults must establish and communicate responsibility for child safety.

  • Assign an adult "water watcher" to supervise the pool/spa area or any other body of water, especially during social gatherings.
  • Assign a second adult to maintain constant visual contact with children in the pool/ spa area or any body of water that might attract a child. Don't assume someone else is watching a child.
  • Never leave a child alone near water such as:
    • A bathtub
    • A pond
    • A pool/spa
    • A standing body of water in which a child's nose and mouth may be submerged
    • A toilet
    • A water-filled bucket
  • Don't rely on swimming lessons, life preservers, or any other equipment to make a child "water safe".
  • Don't allow children to play in the pool/spa area.
  • Look in the pool area first if a child is missing.
  • Communicate pool safety measures with the babysitter and train the sitter in CPR.

Action Step - Preparation

  • Insist anyone over 14 years of age have current CPR in infant/child safety.
  • Communicate pool safety measures with the babysitter and train the sitter on infant/child CPR.
  • Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques.
  • Mount rescue equipment by the pool such as a lifesaving ring, shepherd's hook, and a CPR sign.

What to Do if You Find a Child in a Pool

  • Yell for help and get the child out of the pool and onto the pool deck.
  • If someone is with you, have him or her call 9-1-1. Determine if the child is breathing: tilt the head back; if you don't hear or feel breathing or see the chest rising, begin CPR immediately. Continue CPR until emergency help arrives.
  • If you are alone and the child is not breathing, start CPR immediately. After one minute, call 9-1-1. Return to the child and continue CPR until help arrives.