10 Golden Rules of Water Safety & Drowning Prevention
- Never swim alone : Always make sure someone watches you when you swim. Even adults.
- Learn to swim : At six months, children should start swimming lessons. Adults who don’t know how, should learn to swim too.
- Learn to save lives : Parents & caregivers should get certified in CPR & first aid. Always keep a phone ready in case of emergencies.
- Look out for others : Always swim with a buddy: call for help when someone is in trouble. Never try rescue alone.
- Pack a Life Jacket : take Coast Guard-approved life jackets when going to the beach, lake or pool party to float properly. Never depend on inflatable floaties and toys. They are designed to entertain – not to save lives.
- Make sure the water is safe : Is the water clear? Can you see the drain at the bottom of the pool? Is someone responsible watching?
- Check the pool : Does it have a fence and working gate that stays shut? A weight-bearing pool cover? Without those, children or pets can fall in easily and drown. Who is the lifeguard or other supervisor?
- “Reach and throw – don’t go!” : Never try to save anyone by jumping in yourself; then two people are at risk. Throw them something that floats, or grab a pole that reaches them. Yell yell YELL for help and call 911.
- Never dive in shallow water : Ask the lifeguard or a parent where it is safe to dive. Don’t dive if there’s no one to ask.
- Obey pool and water safety rules : No running, no eating, no gum, no glass containers. Get out at the first sign of thunderstorms or lightning. If there is no lifeguard or supervising adult, wait until later to swim.
