TOPIC: BASIC WATER SAFETY RULES

Key Points  A great number of aquatic emergencies involving young children occur from
to Cover a lapse in supervision, which is why it is paramount to keep your eyes on your child
at all times.
(for Parents)
 You and your family should only swim in designated areas and whenever possible,
under the supervision of a qualified life guard.

 A responsible individual(s) should be designated to watch over children whenever they

are in, on or around any body of water, even if a lifeguard is present. This individual
should not be distracted or drinking alcohol and should know how to respond to an
aquatic emergency.

 An adult should stay within arms’ reach of weak swimmers and young children regardless
of their swimming ability.

 Have young children or inexperienced swimmers take extra precautions by wearing a U.S.
Coast Guard – approved life jacket.

o Substitutes such as water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys and other items
designed for water recreation cannot replace responsible adult supervision, nor
should they be counted on as lifesaving devices.

o These devices can suddenly shift position, lose air or slip out from underneath,
leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

 Children should only enter the water after they have received permission. Teach them
to ask first.

 Knowing and enforcing what is safe and unsafe behavior in and around aquatic
environments is a part of good supervision.

o Facilities should have their rules posted in clear view. Read and follow
the rules and teach them to your children.

o Each child’s swimming ability is different. Know his or her ability level
and set specific rules based on the swimming ability.

o If you have a home pool, you need to set rules for the pool and enforce
them without exception.

 Other basic rules and tips to teach your children for all aquatic environments include
the following:

o Always swim with a partner or as a pair. Never swim alone!

o Swim only in supervised areas.

o Always walk, never run or skip.

o Check the depth of the water before jumping or diving in the water.

o Look for potential hazards and make sure no one is in front of you before
jumping or diving.

o Do not engage in rough horseplay, such as drinking.

Key Points
to Cover o Stay away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapment.
(for Parents)
o Do not eat or chew gum while swimming.

o Shower before and after swimming in a pool, river, lake or ocean.

o Watch out for the “dangerous toos”: too tired, too cold, too far from safety,
too much sun and too much strenuous activity.

 Children must always enter the water feet first in shallow or unknown water.

 Preparation is key.

o Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies.

o Whenever possible, have a telephone (land line or mobile phone) nearby.

o Check to see if there is a note or sign stating the full name and address of
the facility attached or posted in a prominent place, such as near a phone.
This information is needed when an emergency call is placed.

TOPIC: STAYING SAFE AROUND WATER

Key Points  Staying safe around the water involves supervision around the water, which differs from
to Cover supervision in most other settings. Around water, supervision can make the difference
between life and death.
(for Parents)
 Most drowning incidents often result from a lack of good supervision.

 Supervising children around the water is not the sole responsibility of lifeguards. Even with
lifeguards on duty, parents or another responsible individual should provide supervision.

 Supervision around the water requires total and constant attention to those in the water or
at risk for getting in the water. The supervisor needs to:

o Have the developmental maturity to assess the situation.

o Be able to establish and enforce rules.

o Have the knowledge and skills to respond to problems, including how to perform
a water rescue without getting in the water and putting himself or herself at risk
for drowning too!

o Make sure everyone being supervised knows who is in charge.

o Remain free from distraction, such as by cell phones, socializing, or engaging in

other activities.

o Avoid alcohol use before or while supervising water activities.

 On arriving at the water environment, the person in charge of supervision should evaluate the
area, identifying:

o Where lifeguards are stationed.

o The boundaries of the designated swim area.

 o How to call for emergency help, including if there is cell phone reception for
calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if necessary.

o Potential hazards such as:

 Currents

 Drop-offs, uneven bottoms, or objects in or under the water that pose a

hazard or would surprise a swimmer.

 Other activities occurring that could be a hazard, such as motorboats.

 To learn more, take a Red Cross Water Safety course… supervision around the water
is a real job.

TOPIC: CIRCLE OF DROWNING PREVENTION

Key Points
to Cover  A circle of safety is essential for drowning prevention. Multiple layers of protection
work together.
(for Parents,
Teens and Adult
 This starts before you even get to the water by:
Participants)
o Providing close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or
near water.

o Fencing pools and spas with adequate barriers, including 4-sided fencing.

o Learning swimming and water safety survival skills.

o Always wear a life jacket when on a boat, and when swimming if you are a
poor swimmer.

o Swimming in a lifeguarded area.