WATER SAFETY TIPS
May 8, 2023
Water Safety Tips by Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso
General Water Safety
• Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone. • Read and obey all rules and posted signs. • Swim in areas that are supervised by a lifeguard. • Children or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when around water. • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. • Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards. • Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. • Use a feet first entry when entering the water. • Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. • Wear sun-block and re-apply often.
Parent Water Safety
• Maintain constant supervision. • Stay within arm’s reach of an inexperienced swimmer while he or she is in the water. • Do not rely on substitutes. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. • Prevent access to water features: swimming pools, buckets of water, ponds, etc. • Use safety locks on toilets and keep toilet lids down if there are small children in your home. • Empty cleaning buckets immediately after use. • Teach children how to swim. • Learn CPR and first aid. • Set rules for the water and adhere to them. • Empty kiddie pools immediately after use.
Home Pool Safety
• Learn to swim and swim well. • Never leave a child unattended who may gain access to the water. • Teach your children that the pool area is off-limits without an adult present. • Adult supervision at all times. • Pool Security: fencing, gates, doors, windows and covers. • Keep toys away from the pool area and keep the deck area free of clutter. • If a child is missing, always check the pool first. • Emergency Action Procedures: learn CPR and First Aid, have lifesaving equipment available, have a well-stocked first aid kit available, post CPR and First Aid signs, and have a cordless phone accessible. • Do not allow diving. • Water chemistry: keep the pool water clean and clear and store pool chemicals in childproof containers and out of children’s reach.
Water Park Safety
• Be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards and follow their rules & directions. • Read all posted signs. • Always accompany and supervise children on all attractions & pools. • Make note of the water depth before entering an attraction. • Know the height requirements for attractions. • Know your own and your child’s swimming abilities. • Be aware that some attractions have moving water and require swimming skills. • Always go face up and feet first down a slide. • If you cannot swim or are a weak swimmer- always use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. • Wait until the lifeguard signals that it’s safe for you to proceed on an attraction.
El Paso Water Precautions
• Never play in drainage ditches or arroyos, even when dry. • Do not allow children to play near or in a river or another body of water, including ponds, channels and drains. • Do not swim in canals or ponding area. • Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive on flooded streets. • During heavy rains, alleys, backyards, streets and sunken areas can fill with water. Tell children not to play in these areas. • Pools need to be surrounded with secure fencing with no areas of entrance. • Never underestimate the water currents in a river, channel or a drain. • Backyard ponds are deep enough for toddlers to fall into. • Small disposable pools should be emptied and turned over when not in use. • Only U.S. Coastguard approved flotation devices should be worn whenever a non-swimmer is in, on, or around the water.
Top 10 Safety Station Supplies • First Aid Kit • CPR Poster • First Aid Instructions • Reaching Pole/Shepherd’s Hook • Heaving line/throw bag • Pool Rules Posted • Emergency numbers posted with address • Cordless Telephone • Emergency Shut-Off Sign • Personal Flotation Devices
“Respect the Water…Children Drown in Silence”