MAY IS NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH

1. Staying close, being alert and watching children in and around the pool

• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water
• Teach children basic water safety tips
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
• Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
• If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
• Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors

2.  Learning and practicing water safety skills

• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency

3.  Having appropriate equipment for your pool or spa

• Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools.
• Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
• If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing pools or spas.
• Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
• Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know
• Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
• Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm

S-A-F-E-T-Y

S- is for more than just SUPERVISION - children must be watched closely

• There's no substitute for an ADULT watching a child
• Do not let anything or anyone distract you when a child is in or near a body of water, not even for a second
• Keep your eyes on the pool at all times

A- is for ALERT - Pay attention, Play smart

• Toys: A favorite toy left near the water can be a very strong attraction for a child. Toys, tricycles and other playthings should be stored away from the pool or spa area.
• Store all chemicals, cleansers and accessories safely and securely in appropriate areas.
• Sunscreen: Choose It and Use It! The sun is strongest in the summer months. Be sure to apply sun protection regularly while enjoyed the pool. No sun, just clouds? Be alert - Continue to use sun protection.
• Remember to serve all food and beverages in non-breakable containers in the pool area.
• Get out of the pool at the first sign of thunderstorms.

F- is for FREE - Be Substance-FREE

• Never use a pool or spa while, or after, consuming alcohol or any drugs. Consult a physician if taking any mediation on a regular basis prior to swimming or using a spa.

E- is for EMERGENCY Procedures - Get training and education

• Learning CPR , cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a skill that may save a life. The local YMCA, the Red Cross and many local hospitals offer classes.
• Keep a charged portable telephone by the pool -
  Parents won't have to leave children unattended to answer the phone. And if you need to call Emergency Services, your phone is within seconds reach - your call could make a REAL difference!
• Rescue equipment - Is your pool safety ready?
  Ropes and float lines placed across the pool alert swimmers to the separation of the deep and shallow ends of the pool. Rescue equipment such as life rings and shepherd's crooks can be used to pull someone in trouble to safety.
• Keep a list of emergency contact numbers pool side.

T- is for TEACHING - Never too old or too young

• Swimming Lessons - Everyone should be taught swim. Children of all ages should be enrolled in swimming lessons or a program to familiarize them with the water. Check your local YMCA, Parks and Recreation departments or other local programs near your area.
• Diving - Learn safe diving. Know the depth of the water prior to diving. Never dive into shallow water. Never dive into an aboveground pool.

Y is for YOU
By thinking about SAFETY all the time, YOU are being a RESPONSIBLE pool owner and user! Thank You!