Protection

• Never leave your child alone or out of sight while he/she is in or near a pool.
• Children under the age of three should be kept within arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool.
• Keep a phone poolside so you won’t have to leave children unsupervised to make or answer a call.
• Always use approved personal flotation devices, rather than inflatable toys, to keep your child afloat.
• Do not consider children “drown proof” because they have had swimming lessons.
• Prohibit diving in shallow water and in all above ground pools. Diving into shallow water can result in cervical spine injuries causing permanent paralysis.
• Stay out of the water during a thunderstorm.
• Look in the pool area first, if a child is missing.
• Communicate pool safety rules with baby-sitters and guests.
• Know how to swim, proper rescue techniques and CPR.

If you uncover an unconscious child in the pool, follow these steps:

• Remove the child from the water and place onto the deck area.
• If someone is with you, have him or her call 9-1-1.
• Determine if the child is breathing: tilt the head back; if you don't hear breathing or see the chest rising, begin CPR until emergency help arrives.
• If you are alone and the child is not breathing, start CPR. After one minute, call 9-1-1. Return to the child and continue CPR until help arrives.

For additional information on water safety, see our brochure on Children Drown Without a Sound...Water Safety Tips.

For information about Fire Department education programs, please see Safety Education.