Tips on staying safe in and around water
Yorba Linda, Calif.- With the weather warming up this weekend, it's important to remember the key elements of water safety.
Keeping yourself and others safe in and around the water is as easy as ABC. Follow the safety tips below to ensure you know how to be water safe!
A is for ACTIVE ADULT SUPERVISION
- Keep infants and toddlers within an arm's reach;
- No one should ever swim alone, including adults;
- Never rely on water wings, rafts, or other swimming aids in place of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets;
- Assign an adult to be a Water Watcher, actively keeping their eyes on the water without ANY distractions; and
- If a child or adult is missing, every second counts! Check the water FIRST!
B is for BARRIERS
- Install and maintain proper fencing around the pool and spa to isolate swimming areas;
- Use multiple layers of protection, such as fences, gates, doors, alarms, and safety covers;
- Use self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward and away from the pool; and
- Remove items such as chairs or tables that a child could use to climb over a fence.
C is for CLASSES
- Learn to swim by taking lessons;
- Learn first aid and CPR. Always keep a phone nearby to call 9-1-1; and
- Teach children that running, jumping, and pushing others on pool decks is dangerous and can cause injuries. Always enter the pool feet first to know how deep the water is in that area.
Drain Safety
- Keep children away from pool and spa drains to avoid entrapment and entanglement;
- Keep long hair tied back and remove dangling items like jewelry or bathing suit tie;
- Install compliant safety drain covers and automatic shut-off pump systems; and
- Know where the pool and spa pump switch is and how to turn it off and on.
For more safety tips, visit OCFA's website.