Action Step: Supervision

Water with its rippling, shimmering appeal is a magnet for children. Children under the age of five have no fear of water and no concept of death. They associate water with play not with danger. Adults must establish and communicate responsibilty for child safety.

Assign an adult "water watcher" to supervise the pool/spa area or any other body of water, especially during social gaterings.

Assign a second adult to maintain constant visual contact with children in the pool/spa or any body of water that might attract a child. Don't assume somone else is watching a child.

Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, water filled bucket, pond or any standing body of water in which a child's nose and mouth may be submersed.

Don't rely on swimming lessons, life preservers, or any other equipment to make a child "water safe".

Don't allow children to play in the pool/spa area.

Look in the pool area first if a child is missing.

Communicate pool safety measures with the baby-sitter and train the sitter in CPR.

 

Action Step: Preparation

Insist anyone over 14 years of age have current CPR in infant/child safety.

Communicate pool safety measures with the baby-sitter and train the sitter on infant/child CPR.

Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques.

Mount rescue equipment by the pool such as a lifesaving ring, shepard's hook, and a CPR sign.

Post 9-1-1 emergency phone number on all phones.

Have a phone near the pool area.

Implement as many Layers of Protection as possible.

For more information about childhood drowning prevention, contact:

Children's Hospital of Orange County (714) 532-8887

Orange County Fire Authority, Community Relations and Education Section (714) 573-6200

The Drowning Prevention Network of Orange County (714) 532-8887