Skip to Main Content

Drowning Prevention

Take 60 Seconds to Save a Child's Life

Pool Safety Tips

Childhood drowning and near-drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. They typically occur when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse of supervision. Severe and permanent brain damage affects as many as 20 percent of near-drowning victims. Make sure your family is safe around water.

  • Make sure pools and spas are enclosed on four sides with a fence at least 5 feet high with a self-closing and latching gates.
  • Drains in pools and spas should have anti-entrapment drain covers.
  • Learn infant and child CPR and always have a phone near the pool for emergency use.
  • Children should always swim under the supervision of a grown-up. Every child over the age of three should have swimming lessons.
  • Children using air-filled swimming aids should always be supervised by an adult within arm’s reach.
  • A U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket should be worn for water sports such as tubing, skiing or jet skiing. Air-filled aids such as inner tubes, water wings and inflatable rafts are not substitutes for approved lifejackets.
  • It is important for children to learn and practice water safety rules. Here are some helpful water safety rules for children:
  • Children should swim only if a lifeguard or a grown-up gives you permission.
  • Teach children to obey the posted rules.

Encourage children to:

  • Check with the lifeguard to find out how deep the water is.
  • Always swim with a buddy.
  • Never jump or dive unless the lifeguard or a grown-up says it is okay to do so.
  • Don’t eat candy or chew gum when swimming.
  • Never swim at night.
  • Get out of the water right away if you hear thunder or see lightning.
  • When on a boat, everyone needs a seat and his or her own U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Request Materials

To request materials email Polk County Fire Rescue's public education officer, rosalalonde@polk-county.net.