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National Water Safety Month

RFTW editor 0 Comment , ,

We are about a week away from all the neighborhood outdoor pools opening in the DMV and would like to highlight that the month of May is National Water Safety month! USA Swimming, and  a coalition of water safety partners, including the American Red Cross, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association, the World Waterpark Association, are working together to raise awareness about water safety and highlight the importance of public education regarding safer practices for kids and adults around the water. All month long organizations have taken to social media and held local events to promote the cause. While May is devoted to awareness, a ‘Learn to Swim’ event will take place on June 21 with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™. 

Notably,  USA Swimming posted this video of Cullen Jones on their Twitter feed:


Further, Laura Metro (@LauraMetroCPR), founder of CPR Party™ has utilized her Twitter account to promote awareness and upcoming water safety events:


In the coming week leading up to the opening of pools and trips to the beach, lake, or river to enjoy swimming and other water-based activities, take some time with your family and friends to go over these safety tips:

Water Safety Tips courtesy of the “Simple Steps Save Lives” Program

1. Staying close, being alert and watching children in and around the pool

  • Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or
    she is in or near water
  • Teach children basic water safety tips
  • Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
  • Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
  • If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
  • Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors

2. Learning and practicing water safety skills

  • Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
  • Learn to perform CPR on children and adults and update those skills regularly
  • Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency

3. Having appropriate equipment for your pool or spa

  • Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching
    gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools
  • Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
  • If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and
    always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing
    pools or spas.
  • Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
  • Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers and ask your pool service
    provider if you don’t know.
  • Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
  • Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm

For more tips for pool and spa owners, visit PoolSafely.gov

 

For all your swimmers, click the logo below to visit the PoolSafely.gov website and take the pledge:

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