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June Tips of the Month: Four Important
Components of Water Safety
Supervision
Designate a
responsible adult to supervise kids around the water. This
person should not be talking with others, reading, talking on
the phone, or be otherwise distracted. His or her sole
responsibility is to constantly observe the children in or near
the water. If the individual needs to leave the area for any
reason, he or she should find another responsible adult to take
over.
Environment
Ensure safe swimming
environments by installing appropriate safety protection around
the pool or spa and by displaying signage and emergency
equipment. Isolation fencing should be at least 4 feet high and
equipped with self-latching, self-closing gates. Pool and door
alarms are also good to install as a further protective measure.
Education
Teach children to swim
and educate them about water safety. For information on swimming
lessons, call:
Gear
Children
should always wear appropriately sized Coast Guard approved PFDs
(Personal Floatation Device) when on boats, in or near open
water or participating in water sports. PFDs should fit snugly
and not allow the child's chin or ears to slip through the neck
opening. Air filled swimming aids, water wings and inner tubes
are not safety devices and should never be used in place of a PFD.
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