Sink or swim: How to be safe around a swimming pool or other body of water

So much summer activity involves the water. Enjoy the water and stay safe as you unwind outside, hop in the pool, dip your toes in the ocean, fish in a river or boat on a lake. Bodies of water can pose a dangerous situation if you’re not prepared. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 and second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 15, according to the CDC.Here are some important tips from The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool Safely campaign and the American Red Cross to help you and your family stay safer in and around the water.Make water safety a priority

• Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
• Even if lifeguards are present, you or another responsible adult should stay with your children.
• Be a water watcher – provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising; avoid distractions including cellphones.
• Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Children, inexperienced swimmers and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing that separates the water from the house.
• Learn CPR. Because of the time it might take for emergency services to arrive, your CPR skills could save a life.

Home pool and hot tub safety

• Always watch children in or near water and never leave them unattended. Designate a water watcher and stay in arm’s reach of young children.
• Teach children how to swim.
• Teach children to stay away from drains and ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers.
• Install safety devices and secure your pool with appropriate barriers.
• If a child is missing, check the water first.

Swim safely at the ocean

• Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
• Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills.
• Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities.
• Be aware of weather and water conditions and heed warnings.
• Face the water whenever there are high waves.
• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current and then swim to shore.

Swim safely in lakes, rivers and streams

• Always enter unknown or shallow water feet first.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• Watch out for currents, waves, and underwater obstructions – these hazards are not found just in the ocean.

Ask your child’s pediatrician for additional water safety advice related to your child’s specific health and abilities. Following these tips will help you have a safer and more enjoyable time around water.