Keep water activities and swim time fun by incorporating multiple layers of water safety to protect you and others. Supervision, barriers and alarms, being prepared for emergencies, learning to swim, teaching children about water safety, and wearing a lifejacket will help keep children and adults safe while in or near water.
Layer 1: Supervision
Supervision, the first and most crucial layer of protection. This means a responsible person, usually an adult, is free from distractions and always actively watching when a child, or vulnerable person, is in, on, or around the water.
Resources: Supervision
When you teach children, and the whole family, about water safety, everyone can help be accountable for supervision. Knowing the rules of the pool, and how to safely help someone in trouble are just some of the ways to be water smart. There are many water safety programs available for free throughout Florida.
Layer 2: Barriers and Alarms
Barriers (gates, fences, walls, doors, windows) physically block a child from accessing the pool. It’s important to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems, to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised. Always make sure all toys are removed from the pool so they won’t entice children.
Resources: Barriers
Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools – Booklet for homeowners by the U.S. Product Safety Commission.
Resources for Barriers and Alarms – Since you can’t alway keep your eyes on the water, it is important to use physical barriers to restrict access and alarms to alert you.
Layer 3: Preparedness
In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby to immediately call 911. Know your location, what type of emergency and what help is being administered. It is also important to learn CPR with breaths and first aid.
Resources: Preparedness
Know CPR
Know how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training, rescue breaths, and basic water rescue skills.
Learn How to Swim
Everyone should learn how to swim. It’s important for both adults and children should learn these crucial skills.
Wear a Life Jacket
Always wear a life jacket when on or around open and natural bodies of water and when boating.
Emergency Preparation – You can’t predict when an emergency will strike, so knowing how to prepare for a water-related incident can mean the difference between life and death.