Water Safety - Tips to Save a Life

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Learn how to keep children safe around swimming pools – it could save someone you know and love!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day about 10 people die from unintentional drowning.  Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

Swimming is the most popular summer activity. The best thing you can do to help your family stay safe is to learn to swim. 

Check the current recreation catalog for classes.

Are you a 'water watcher'? 

A responsible teen or adult should be a designated 'water watcher' anytime children are in or near a pool. 

Learn all about it and get your free 'Water Watcher" tag at the 'Save a Life' event held each July. 

Activities include:

  • Free swimming lessons for kids
  • Water Safety/CPR
  • Activity Stations
  • Life Jacket Fittings

Check your pool environment -- is it safe?

  • Take steps to minimize unauthorized use of the pool. Install fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates and alarms around pools. Lock all doors and windows leading to the pool.
  • Have life-saving equipment such as ring buoys or reaching poles available for use, and know how to use them.
  • Never leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.
  • Keep toys away from the pool when it's not in use. Toys can attract young children to the water.
  • Remove pool covers before swimming.

Teach your kids the rules of the pool

  • Learn to swim!
  • If someone's in trouble, yell for help and get them out with a reaching pole, or throw something that floats.
  • Keep a phone nearby so you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  • An adult "Water Watcher" must always be present to maintain constant supervision over children.
  • All weak or non-swimmers should wear a United States Coast Guard approved life-jacket.

Related Information

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