Infant and Child Safety Tips

Drowning Prevention and Pool Safety Tips

Drowning Prevention

Infants and small children can drown in only a few inches of water. Protect them from danger by providing constant supervision whenever they are near water.

Pool Safety

The potential for children drowning in backyard and condominium pools can be reduced or eliminated if property owners and residents follow simple guidelines. Pool safety requires a secure pool area as well as supervision of children using the pool.

Securing Your Pool

Several types of barriers separating a pool from its surroundings contribute to pool safety, and are ideally used in combination since no single type is entirely effective. 

1. A fence installed in or just outside the pool deck around the perimeter of the pool and spa is the most effective.
2. Fence gates should open out, away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching. The latch at the top should be inaccessible to small children from outside the fence.
3. Keep all doors, sliding doors and accessible windows closed and locked.
4. A fence or wall separating the pool yard from the street discourages uninvited guests.
5. Other physical safety features are pool alarms/motion detectors, safety covers, and alarms on doors and windows.
6. Have approved flotation/lifesaving items near the pool for use in an emergency. Inflatable pool toys are not lifesaving devices!
7. Have a telephone with a clearly posted “911”  emergency number by the pool area.
   
   

Adult Supervision

1. Supervision of children using a pool is essential even if the pool is secured with multiple safety features.
2. If groups of children are using a pool during a party, for example, two adults should be designated as pool watchers. One should actively supervise the area, and the second should maintain eye contact with the children.
3. Never leave a child alone near a pool, spa, bathtub, toilet, water-filled object, standing water, lake or pond where water could cover his or her nose and mouth.
4. If a child cannot be located, look immediately in the pool/spa area.
5. Do not allow children to use a pool/spa area as a playground. Discourage running and horseplay in the area.
6. Adults (parents and child-care providers) and children should learn and practice CPR.  Sign up today for a class taught by Village Fire Rescue personnel.
7. Offer swimming lessons to children and adults.