backyard pool

Reach, Throw, Don’t Go

If you think someone needs help in the water get an adult.

Reach, Throw, Don’t Go!

Keep yourself safe by staying out of the water to help.

How to Safely Help

Layers of Protection

Water safety experts and organizations agree that drowning prevention depends on many steps working together for the common goal of providing a safer environment. These are known as the Layers of Protection.

Designated Supervision

Have a designated adult Water Watcher or a certified lifeguard in an elevated position at all times.

Pool Barriers

Enclosed fencing with self-latching gate.

Pool Alarms & Drowning Detection Systems

Technology designed to detect pool entry or swimmers in distress.

CPR Training

Professional medical organizations recommend immediately providing two rescue breaths for a submersion victim. This is followed by chest compressions alternating with rescue breathing.

Lifesaving Skill

Choose a swim instruction program that provides a lifesaving skill in a beneficial time frame.

Be Water Safety Savvy

1

Always keep young children and new swimmers within arms-reach while in water.

Unlike what is often dramatized on television drowning is usually silent without splashing or signs of distress.

Basset Hound head looking through a doggy door to the outside.

2

Keep an eye out for exit points for kids

Dog doors are exit points that children can use to leave a house and access a pool, standing water, or open water.

Asian family sitting in the back of open van. Dad on the fair left leaning on trunk of van. Daughter beside dad with arms out stretched towards the sky. Mom on the right of daughter holding a pink purse and a pink backpack on her shoulder.

3

when around pools

When visiting places that have a pool or are near open water, speak with the host about layers of protection that are being utilized. Know all the home’s potential exit points and if they are child safe secured.

69% of all drownings among children age 4 and younger happen during non-swim times.

4

Watch out for floaties

After enjoying family pool time, remove all toys from the pool and pool area to prevent children being drawn to the water and possibly falling in, reaching for a toy.

Puddle jumpers and arm floaties can pose a danger in the pool environment by teaching children the upright drowning position in the water. It also can give a child false confidence in his or her swimming ability.