- NEVER leave a child unsupervised in or near any body of water, even for a second. This means not only being there, but watching at all times. Looking away, even for a moment, can lead to tragedy.
- DON’T leave toys, wagons, or tricycles around the pool.
- INVEST in a pool-motion alarm, pool fence, self-latching gates and/or cover.
- ATTEND a course in CPR and learn what to do in case of an emergency
- KEEP pools, drains and surrounding areas clean, free of debris, repaired and up to code and regulations
- ENROLL children in swimming courses.
- TEACH children to “respect” the water
- USE approved-for-safety floats, life jackets and other devices
- HAVE a phone available whenever participating in any type of water activity.
- FENCE pools around all four sides – this is mandated in many localities – check local codes and requirements
- A good resource for all things related to pool safety is http://www.poolsafely.gov
Source: Virginia Department of Social Services
