LOCK UP THAT POOL!
If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water.
Many children who drown in home pools did so during non-swim times – when they weren’ t expected to be in the water, including as the swimming activity was coming to an end and everyone was thought to be out of the water. Children were often out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
ENSURE THAT EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY LEARNS TO SWIM & KNOWS WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
• If a child is missing, check the water first – seconds count in preventing death or disability
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching( poles) or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit
• Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses
• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR / AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies
DESIGNATE A WATER WATCHER
In a group setting, tragedies often occur because people assume someone else is supervising the children in the water. Along with close, active supervision by parents or caregivers, designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility it is to supervise children during any in-water activity until the next person takes over.
An appropriate water watcher:
• Is at least 16 years of age( adults preferred)
• Has the skills, knowledge and the ability to recognize and rescue someone in distress or can immediately alert someone nearby who does or can
• Knows CPR or can immediately alert someone nearby who does
• Has a working phone to call for emergency help, which is typically 9-1-1
• Has a floatation device and / or reaching object that can be used in a rescue
• Is alert and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or distracted by their phone, texting, talking to others or reading
Make your own water watcher card to ensure that your water watcher is clearly identifiable to all. Rotate water watchers over designated periods of time, such as every 15 minutes. As water watchers rotate, pass the card to the new water watcher.
Go to redcross. org / waterwatchercard to make your own water watcher card.
The AMERICAN RED CROSS
Learn-to-Swim program, taught by
WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR- CERTIFIED
PROFESSIONALS, helps equip people of all ages with knowledge and skills to become water competent – knowing HOW TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO WATER EMERGENCIES.
SUMMER SAFETY & SKIN CARE ISSUE ISSUE | JULY 2025 13 OURHEALTHNWA. COM