Know how to keep children safe around water

Water Safety Tips By Age

From the moment they’re born, kids are exposed to a variety of different bodies of water. Whether it’s bath time, splashing around in the pool, or even ice skating, it’s a normal routine. However, it’s important that they know about and understand how to be water safe, regardless of their age.

Newborns/Babies

Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.

Little Kids

As a little kid, water is so much more exciting now that you can splash, swim, and dunk your head. It’s also a time when active supervision and basic childproofing is critical.

Big Kids

Learn how to make your pool or spa a safe place for the big kids in your life.

Teens

As your role shifts, set firm rules for your teen’s safety while in and around water. Support your teen by helping them to know the risks and be skilled in the water.

Learn What Makes A Drain Dangerous

The ABCD’s of Water Safety

Being water safe doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, we made it as simple as knowing your A, B, C, D’s with this handy mnemonic device. Now understanding true water safety procedure is fun and easy to learn for all ages.

A

is for adult

Always have an adult with children around water.
Never let children be alone near a pool, ocean, lake, or river.
Adults must always have their eyes on children near and in the water.
Adults should not talk on the phone, do yard work, or answer the front door.
Adults should be free of all distractions and pay attention to their children and the children around them at all times.

B

is for barrier

Install a fence that goes around your pool that is inspected regularly.
Install a lock on the fence that only opens with a key that adults have and on the doors of your house that only adults can reach.
Install an alarm that beeps if doors or windows to the pool are open and one that goes off when the surface of the water is disrupted by movement.
Children should learn to not enter a pool area until an adult has opened the pool gate.

C

is for classes

Kids and adults should take safety classes. Classes like swimming and water safety for children, and CPR and First Aid for adults.
Families can also have their own safety classes. Have a phone by the pool and be sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1. Ask if you have neighbors that you can go to for help.
Talk about what other things you can do to be safe around the water.

D

is for drains

Teach all swimmers to stay away from all pool and spa drains.
Be sure each pool or spa you swim in has been inspected and is up to code. Know federal/state regulations.
Install emergency shutoff switches to shut off pumps.
If the drain cover becomes loose or falls off, shut down the pool immediately and no one should enter the pool area until it is repaired.

Meet Zeke

“The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim” follows the journey of a young polar bear named Zeke who is afraid of the water and refuses to swim. He leaves his home in search of other animals who do not swim, and ends up finding that he can enjoy the water if he follows the ABC and D’s of water safety, while learning a valuable lesson about facing his fears with a positive attitude.

Purchase book