Teach children how to tread water, float, and get out of the pool.
For those who are not strong swimmers, coast guard-approved flotation devices should be required. Do not rely on “water wings” or other inflatable toys.
Be aware that teaching your children to swim with a life jacket on will give them a false sense of security.
Don’t rely on water wings or other inflatable toys. If your child can’t swim, stay within an arm’s reach.
Take a class in First Aid and CPR (for infants, children, and adults).
Teach children not to play with or around pool or hot tub drains and drain covers.
If you see a drain cover that is loose, broken or missing, do not enter the pool and notify the owner/operator.
Tie up long hair securely to protect from drain entanglement.
Never take your eyes off of children in the pool — even for a moment!
If you’re in a group, appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
Empty smaller backyard pools when not in use.
While supervising, stay alert and avoid distractions like reading or the telephone.
If the house forms a side of the pool barrier, install alarms on the doors that lead to the pool area.
Never dive into water less than nine feet deep.
Keep gates to the pool area latched.
Use a safety cover on larger backyard pools when they are not in use.
Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not being used since toys can attract children to the pool area.
Make sure the water of any pool/spa is clear.
You should always be able to see the bottom of a pool or spa. If you can’t, inform the owner/operator.
Look for lifesaving equipment by the pool.
Teach your children how to swim. We recommend having your child in swimming lessons by age 4. It is a life skill.
Tips for Kids (4 and older)
Always swim with an adult watching you.
Learn how to swim.
Learn how to tread water, float, and get out of the pool.
Stay away from pool and spa drains.
Tie up long hair to keep it from getting caught in the drain.
Never run around the pool.
Never push, or jump on others in the pool.
Never dive into water less than nine feet deep.
Stay in a hot tub a maximum of five minutes; you will overheat or avoid them altogether.
Tips for Private Pool/Spa Owners
Install anti-entrapment drain covers.
Get a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) installed on your pump. This is an emergency sensor that automatically shuts off suction if a drain is blocked.
If the pool/spa is new, be sure to have at least two drains installed, in parallel or use a no-drain circulation system. If your pool is older, consider retrofitting your pool/spa with multiple drains. (Requirements can vary from state to state so be sure to check your local regulations to be sure.)
Damaged or broken drain covers are dangerous—replace them immediately and do not use the pool. It’s a simple fix, yet one of the most important factors for pool and hot tub safety.
According to government safety guidelines, children should not be in a hot tubs for longer than five minutes at a time. Infants and Toddlers should not be exposed to the dangerously hot temperatures at all.
Use a safety cover on larger pools when not in use.
Make sure the water in your pool/spa is always clear and you can see the bottom. If not, inform your pool/spa service professional.
Get a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) installed on your pump. This is an emergency sensor that automatically shuts off suction if a drain is blocked.
If the pool/hot tub is new, be sure to have at least two drains installed, in parallel or use a no-drain circulation system. If your pool is older, consider retrofitting your pool with multiple drains. (Requirements can vary from state to state so be sure to check your local regulations to be sure.)
Damaged or broken drain covers are dangerous—replace them immediately and do not use the pool. It’s a simple fix, yet one of the most important factors for pool and hot tub safety.
The water in the pool/spa should always be clear and you should be able to see the bottom. If not, the chemical application should be adjusted.
According to government safety guidelines, children should not be in a hot tubs for longer than five minutes at a time. Infants and Toddlers should not be exposed to the dangerously hot temperatures at all.
