National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month and is a great time to review water safety with your kids. Given the warmer weather kids are heading to the pool and beach. We need to make sure they are safe.

Swimming Pool & Spa Safety Tips

• Teach children how to swim
• Always provide adult supervision when your child is in or near the water
• Ensure pools and spas have compliant drain covers and teach your child to stay away from these drains
• Install a barrier around the pool to prevent a child from accessing the pool unattended
• Install a pool alarm
• Install a pool cover
• Remove ladders from above ground pools
• Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults

Ocean Water Safety

• Learn how to swim
• Children who are non-swimmers or poor swimmers should be within arm’s reach of an adult swimmer
• Swim in an area with a lifeguard
• Don’t overdo it. Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities.
• Be aware of the weather and riptides
• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip current
• Water wings, floaties, and noodles are not appropriate floatation safety devices. Use a lifejacket instead.
• Know CPR

Use National Water Safety Month to teach your child how to swim and learn other safety measures. Enjoy a safe time at the pool and beach!  If your child does experience a water emergency, get immediate attention and then follow up with your pediatrician.