Water Safety
May is National Water Safety Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting safe habits around water. Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death, especially for children under the age of 5. Whether you’re heading to the pool, lake, or beach, here are 5 essential tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe in and around water!
- Learn to Swim: Knowing how to swim is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning. Enroll children in swim lessons early and make sure adults feel confident in the water too.
- Supervise Closely: never take your eyes off of children near the water. Drowning can happen silently and in seconds. Designate a responsible adult as a “Water Watcher” during gatherings.
- Wear Life Jackers: use U.S. Coast guard approved life jackets when swimmers should ear life jackets in unfamiliar or rough conditions.
- Fence It In: Pools should have a four sided fence with a self latching gate to keep children out when unsupervised. Alarms on doors and pool covers can add another layer of protection.
- Be Prepared: Know CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of emergencies.