Pool safety tips for the holidays

Keep these tips somewhere visible in your home:

1. Supervise children constantly. Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision.
2. Parents should avoid distractions when children are near water to allow for full attention.
3. Even strong swimmers need adult supervision. Insist on life jackets for children.
4. Parents should not only supervise but also advise children on safety rules in and around the pool.
5. Children should not be allowed to run on slippery surfaces as it is dangerous.
6. Stay away from drains, filters and water intakes. Loose hair or clothing can get tangled in these, possibly trapping a child underwater.
7. Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at an early age, however, this does not necessarily prevent a child from drowning.
8. Remove toys from the pool as a child may fall into the water trying to retrieve a toy.