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.
Contact Information
City of Scottsdale - Fire Department
Witzeman Public Safety Building
8401 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
General Information: 480-312-8000
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 480-312-8911
Email: fire@ScottsdaleAZ.gov
Podcast: Firewatch
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