Make sure your family knows the rules for the pool or beach before anyone sets foot in the water.

It’s a hot summer day, and that sparkling pool water sure looks inviting. But before you jump in and cool off, don’t forget your family’s safety. From toddlers who wander into family pools to swimmers caught up in the ocean’s currents, neglecting to take the proper precautions can lead to deadly results. 

Drowning
More than one in four drowning deaths in the U.S. involves children. For each child who dies from drowning, four more are treated in emergency rooms for near-drowning incidents, which can lead to brain damage.

Backyard pools are especially hazardous to young children. Above-ground pools are less dangerous because the height of the pool itself is a barrier, as well as the fence at the top of the steps that many of these pools have.

Young children and those who can’t swim should wear an approved Type I personal floatation device (PFD) when playing in or near water. When the child has more control in the water, he or she can move into a type II PFD. All children should still be closely supervised by an adult when near the water, even if they are wearing a PFD.

“Water wings” or “floaties” are not replacements for PFDs and will not keep a child who falls into the water afloat. Don’t let the idea of floaties give you or your child a false sense of security. A Coast Guard-approved PFD is the only safe option for young children and those who can’t swim.

Rules for home pools

• Learn to swim yourself.
• Teach children to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends swimming lessons for children age 4 and older. According to the AAP, swim classes may also reduce drowning risks for children ages 1 to 4. Remember that children develop at different rates. It’s up to you to decide if your child is ready for and would benefit from lessons.
• Never leave a young child unattended near the pool. Don’t take your eyes off the child, not even for a few seconds.
• When near the pool, have children who are young or who can’t swim wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
• Don’t allow running near the pool or rough play in the pool.
• Don’t let anyone swim alone.
• Keep a phone by the pool for emergencies.
• Know how to do CPR.
• Install a fence around your pool at least four feet high (local laws and ordinances may vary) with a self-closing and self-locking gate, with latches out of reach of a child.
• Keep lifesaving equipment near the pool.
• Don’t let inflatable toys or floats replace parental supervision. Such devices often fail.
• Don’t drink alcohol while swimming or supervising children.

Rules for lakes, rivers and the ocean

• Swim within sight of a lifeguard.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Have young children and those who can’t swim wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
• Don’t let anyone swim alone.
• Never dive without knowing the depth of the water, and never dive into shallow water.
• Don’t swim so far that you don’t have the energy to swim back.
• Don’t drink alcohol while swimming or supervising children.
• Don’t swim against the ocean’s current. If you’re caught in a current, swim across – not against – it. You will gradually swim out of it.

Safety devices

Finally, if you have your own backyard pool, invest in a safety device to protect young children. Safety devices include poolside alarms and alarms for doors, gates and children’s wrists.

No device, though, can take the place of a parent’s watchful eyes. The best way to protect your children is to always know where they are and to never assume that someone else is watching them.

(MyOptumHealth, June 2010)