Protect the Family

To help protect your Family, it is very important to follow these basic safety precautions especially if there is a swimming pool at home:

• Never mix alcohol consumption and swimming.

• Know your swimming limits and stay within them.

• Have non-swimmers wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while in the water.

• Keep an eye on weaker swimmers.

• If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count!

• Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.

• Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.

• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.

• Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access.

• Fences and walls should be at least four-feet high and completely surround the pool. (Check local laws)

• Be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.

• Pool alarms should be installed and children never left unattended!!

• Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm

• Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.

• Pool alarms should be installed and children never left unattended!!

• Ensure any pool and spas you use have compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know.

Parents and guardians remember; being present while your child or children are in the water isn’t enough. You must give them your full attention while they are swimming and playing. In an age where we are attached to our digital devices, the time you take to check an email is just enough time for this sort of disaster to strike.