Pool Safety - Prevent Drownings

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Protect your family with a water safety plan

Drowning is a quick and silent killer. In the time it takes to answer the phone, tragedy can occur.

Multiple layers of protection are the key to a water safety plan. Protect your family with the following safety tips.

• Supervise children wherever they could find water. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water.
• No one should swim alone. This includes grown-ups!
• Designate an adult to be responsible for watching children in pools during parties, and rotate shifts. Have them wear a special shirt, hat or badge so that others know not to interrupt this person while on duty.
• Install a pool fence or other approved barrier around the pool perimeter. Solar covers are NOT considered a barrier. Learn what's required in Scottsdale.
• Ensure pool access gates are self-closing and self-latching. Check regularly to keep in good working order.
• Secure doors, gates and pet doors that lead to pool area. Secure spas with childproof covers.
• Keep a phone by the pool to call 911 in case of an emergency.
• Take CPR classes at least every two years, and practice in between to keep your skills sharp. Babysitters, grandparents and friends should all know safety rules and CPR.
• Children and adults should learn how to swim. (Remember this does not “drown-proof” anyone!) 
  To register for classes with City of Scottsdale Aquatics, visit: recreation.scottsdaleaz.gov
  Choose: Register for Programs
  Choose: Aquatics/Swimming
  Click on: Lessons
• Keep toys and objects away from pool or spa area. 
• Move furniture inside of the fenced area and away from fences so children can’t use them for climbing. 
• Empty inflatable pools, ice chests and buckets when not in use.
• Keep bathroom doors closed. Consider using a toilet latch during toddler years
• If an accident happens, act immediately.

If a child is missing, always check the pool or spa first.

• Yell for help.
• Dial 911.
• Start CPR.
• Teach your children to be water safe!
• Tell children to yell for an adult and throw a flotation device if they find someone in trouble in the water. They should NEVER jump into a pool to save someone else.
• Encourage children to tell an adult right away if the pool gate is left open or the cover is left off the spa.
• Teach them to dial 911 in case of an emergency.