Your Child's Health
Be Water Wise

Illustration of family playing in poolIf you own a pool:

  • Children should be supervised at the pool at all times. Insist anyone in the home who is older than 14 years of age have current certification in infant/child CPR, including the babysitter.
  • Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques.
  • Mount rescue equipment by the pool (lifesaving ring, shepherd’s hook and CPR sign). Many float-type toys, such as arm floats and inflatable rings, are thought to be lifesavers. They aren’t. They are only toys and should be used only as toys.
  • Always empty baby and inflatable pools after each use.
  • Post the 911 emergency phone number on your phones. Have a phone near the pool area.
  • Don’t leave children unattended while talking on the phone.
  • Teach everyone how to use safety equipment and how to call 911.

If you find a child in the pool:

  1. Yell for help and get the child out of the pool and onto the pool deck.
  2. Call 911 or if someone is with you, have him or her call 911. Determine if the child is breathing: tilt the head back; if you don’t hear or feel breathing or see the chest rising, begin CPR immediately. Continue CPR until emergency help arrives.
  3. If you are alone and the child is not breathing, call 911. Start CPR. Continue CPR until help arrives.
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