Drowning Prevention

Protection

Never leave your child alone or out of sight while he/she is in or near a pool.
Children under the age of three should be kept within arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool.
Keep a phone poolside so you won’t have to leave children unsupervised to make or answer a call.
Always use approved personal flotation devices, rather than inflatable toys, to keep your child afloat.
Do not consider children “drown proof” because they have had swimming lessons.
Prohibit diving in shallow water and in all above ground pools. Diving into shallow water can result in cervical spine injuries causing permanent paralysis.
Stay out of the water during a thunderstorm.
Look in the pool area first, if a child is missing.
Communicate pool safety rules with baby-sitters and guests.
Know how to swim, proper rescue techniques and CPR.

If you uncover an unconscious child in the pool, follow these steps:

Remove the child from the water and place onto the deck area.
If someone is with you, have him or her call 9-1-1.
Determine if the child is breathing: tilt the head back; if you don't hear breathing or see the chest rising, begin CPR until emergency help arrives.
If you are alone and the child is not breathing, start CPR. After one minute, call 9-1-1. Return to the child and continue CPR until help arrives.

For additional information on water safety, see our brochure on Children Drown Without a Sound...Water Safety Tips.

For information about Fire Department education programs, please see Safety Education.