Pool & Water Safety Tips for Families

SJFD's Firefighter Mark Garcia shares information on how to stay safe in the water. (Watch in English | Mire el video en español | Xem video bằng tiếng Việt | 观看普通话视频 | 觀看國語影片).

Water activities are a great way to stay cool and enjoy time with your friends and family. However, if you aren't careful, someone you care about could get hurt-or even drown. According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1-14, and swimming pools are where the majority of those fatalities occur.*

Remember: it only takes one moment. A young child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text message or apply sunscreen. By working together to improve water competency, water activities can be safer and just as enjoyable. Here are 10 tips to get you started on your water safety journey:

1. Have everyone in your family learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Formal swimming lessons can greatly reduce the risk of drowning (find water safety classes near you at www.redcross.org).
2. Never leave a child alone near water. Drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds. Teach children to always ask for permission to go in or around water.
3. Closely supervise children. Assign a responsible adult to provide close and constant supervision for children who are in or around water. Avoid distracting activities like reading, using a phone, or consuming alcohol.
4. Install safety barriers around your pool. Completely surround your swimming pool with isolation fencing on all sides. Make sure all gates are self-closing, self-latching, and are out of reach of children.
5. Wear a life jacket. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when they are in or around water. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys to keep them safe.
6. Use the buddy system. Whether you're a novice or an experienced swimmer, it's always a good idea to swim with a buddy in case anything happens.
7. Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards, whenever possible. Even if a lifeguard is present, you should still keep a close eye on any children you are supervising, no matter how well they can swim.
8. Learn CPR. Parents, guardians, and babysitters should learn CPR. CPR training provides the knowledge, confidence, and skills to stay calm during a medical emergency and help a person in need (find CPR trainings near you at www.redcross.org).
9. Learn to recognize the signs of drowning. Drowning isn't always like what you see in the movies-it often happens quickly, silently, and with little splashing.
10. Know what to do in case of emergency. If you think someone needs help in the water, notify a lifeguard. If a lifeguard isn't available, ask someone to call 9-1-1. When attempting to rescue a victim, remember the phrase "Reach or Throw, Don't Go!" Throw a flotation device or extend a long pole for the drowning person to hold onto. Don't attempt to rescue the drowning person by entering the water if you haven't been formally trained, as you could endanger yourself.

Remember, when it comes to water safety, be proactive and stay vigilant. This will help ensure a pleasant but safe water experience for everyone. For more information about swimming pool safety, please visit our "Swimming Pool & SPA Safety " webpage. Stay safe San José!

*Source: https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/facts/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html