DROWNING PREVENTION TIPS
- Never leave a child unsupervised in a bathtub, even for a second. Most siblings are not old enough to properly supervise a young child in this situation.
- Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet,water-filled bucket, pond, or any standing body of water.
- An unclimbable, five-foot fence should separate the pool/spa from the residence. Fence openings should be no more than four inches wide so children cannot squeeze through the spaces.
- The fence gate should be self-closing and self-latching with latches above a child's reach.
- Never rely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child. Twenty-five percent of all drowning victims have had swimming lessons.
- Don't allow children to play in the pool/spa area. Never keep toys around or in a pool.
- Avoid swimming after dark.
- Risk for drowning increases in muddy water of lakes, ponds, and rivers.
- Avoid weak or thawing ice on any body of water.
- Diving into shallow water can cause spinal injuries. Never allow diving in above-ground pools, shallow water, or unknown areas.
- Require all persons to wear Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices when involved in water-related recreational activities, regardless of swimming ability.
- Avoid using alcohol or other drugs prior to and during recreational water activities.