Keep an Eye on Kids Around Water during the Holidays

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays getting into gear, it’s easy to let your attention wander. However, paying close attention to children around water is the most important way you can prevent a drowning.

During this time of family, friends, and festivities, don’t let attention stray from keeping an eye on children near water. Please make sure that everyone who visits or stays in your home knows the rules about water safety.

• Know where your children are at all times.
• Use an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house.
• Keep pool gates latched and locked.
• Keep doors leading to backyard closed and locked.
• Never allow children to be alone near a pool or any water source, including bathtubs, buckets, community lakes, etc.
• Take a phone with you when going poolside or bathing a child in the bathtub.
• Have life-saving devices near the pool, such as a pole/hook, or flotation device.
• Keep large objects such as tables, chairs, toys, and ladders away from pool fences.
• Do not allow children to play around the pool and store all toys outside the pool area.
• If you leave the pool area or bathroom, take the children with you. Never leave a child alone to answer the phone or doorbell. Nothing is important enough to risk the life of a child.
• Have towels, clothes and soap ready in the bathroom BEFORE giving a child a bath.
• Always have a “designated child watcher”.
• Post the 9-1-1 number on the phone.
• Learn to swim.
• Learn Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol or medications.

Water Safety Hotline: 602-534-POOL

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