May is National Water Safety Month: Get a Jump Start on Safety at Texas Swim Academy
Water Safety
May is National Water Safety Month, a month to recognize the start of the swimming season and remind parents, guardians, and children of important water safety practices and drowning prevention guidelines to keep in mind as they enjoy water sports and activities.
National Water Safety Month (NWSM) is an awareness campaign sponsored by the American Red Cross, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation & Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association. These organizations as well as thousands of other aquatic facilities and professionals around the country team up to celebrate NWSM through educational programs, public service announcements, and the distribution of water safety themed materials designed to prevent drowning and water related illness and injuries.
At Texas Swim Academy, we would like to share these essential water safety steps for parents, guardians, and children to avoid accident and injury when in and around water this summer.
Water Safety Tips courtesy of Pool Safely:
1. Stay Close, Be Alert, and Watch Children in and Around the Pool
Teach your children basic water safety tips and never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa. It’s important to always watch your child at all times when he or she is in or near water as accidents can happen within seconds. Keep them away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapments. When using a pool or spa, have a phone close by in case of an emergency. If your child is missing, be sure to look for him or her in the pool and spa first. To ensure the safest environment, be sure to share important safety instructions and guidelines with family, friends, and neighbors who can serve as watchers or guardians during swim sessions.
2. Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills
Learning how to swim is the ultimate water safety best practice. Learn how to swim and enroll your child in a learn-to-swim or swim survival program as early as possible. Babies are able to learn basic life-saving water skills as early as six months in the Survival Swim Program. Learning how to perform CPR on children and adults is also a vital skill to learn in the event of an emergency. By learning and understanding the basics of life saving and water safety, you are well equipped to prevent drowning and save a life.
3. Have the Appropriate Equipment for Your Pool or Spa
Installing the right pool safety equipment can add an extra layer of protection for your pool or spa. Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing, self-latching gates; ask that neighbors do the same at their pools. Lockable safety covers for your pool or spa can also serve as protection. If your house serves as a fourth side fence around a pool, install door and window alarms on all openings facing pools and spas. Pool and gate alarms will also alert you when your child is near the water. To avoid entrapment accidents, ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers and ask your pool service provider if you don’t now. Maintain your pool and spa regularly to keep pool equipment effective and in good working order.
We want all of our families to have a safe and fun experience this summer. Be sure to share these important water safety guidelines with others and take the Pool Safely Pledge with your family! For more pool safety resources, be sure to visit PoolSafely.gov.