NEVER—even for a moment—leave children alone near water. Young children can drown in only a few inches of water and drowning is a leading cause of death for older children and adolescents.
Pool Safety Guidelines
- The pool should always be supervised by an adult.
- Ideally, this adult is trained in CPR. Contact your local Red Cross for CPR classes if you are not yet trained or need a refresher.
- For backyard pools, pool covers are not an appropriate substitute for fencing around all four sides of the pool.
- Fencing should be at least 4 feet high.
- Gates on the fence should open out from the pool and self-close and self-latch at a height children cannot reach.
- If the house serves as the fourth side of the fence, an alarm on the exit door leading to the pool should be installed.
- Emergency equipment (“shepherd’s hook” a long fiberglass pole with a hook on the end, life preservers) and a portable telephone should also be poolside.
- Diving should only be permitted in approved areas.
- Horseplay that can result in falls or injury should not be tolerated.
Swim Lessons
The AAP cautions parents not to have false security about a child’s safety in or near the water if they have had swimming lessons. Children ages 1-4 years old may be at a decreased risk of drowning if they have had some formal swimming lesions. This should not be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age. There is no evidence that swimming lessons can prevent drowning in infants less than 1 year of age.
Boating Safety
- When on a boat, children should wear an appropriately sized life jacket at all times.
- The jacket should not be worn loose.
- “Floaties”, inflatable toys, or air mattresses are not a substitute for a life vest.
- Adults should wear life jackets for their own safety and to set a good example.
