'Think First' When at the Pool or Beach
Water Safety at the Pool and Beach
- Don't rely on flotation devices or inflatable toys. Adult supervision is necessary when flotation devices are used to prevent drowning.
- Teach children to swim with a buddy and never swim alone.
- Teach children not to reach into the water from the sides of pools or docks. They should ask an adult to retrieve toys and flotation devices.
- Children should walk, not run, and avoid pushing or rough housing near swimming pools and on docks.
- Have children enter the water feet first to check for water depth and obstacles.
- Instruct children to dive only in designated diving areas that are supervised.
You never know when a wave might hit your canoe, kayak or boat. Following these tips could help keep children safe:
- Everyone should wear life jackets when boating. A type I life jacket, one rated to keep the boater's head and chin above water, will keep children and adults upright in the water.
- Supervise children and teach teens to never boat alone and always boat with a buddy.
- Teach teens to boat safely. They should take a safe boating class, boat at prudent speeds, observe the rules of boating and be respectful of swimming and wildlife areas.
The Kohl's Safety Center at the American Family Children's Hospital, the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation and Safe Kids Coalition want you to prevent drowning and injuries when at the pool or the beach.