Safer Water
What kind of barriers do I need around my pool?
You should have a fence at least five-feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Make sure that the latch is out of the reach of children, and make sure there is nothing near the gate that could help a child climb over it. Also consider installing a safety cover, gate alarms and motion-detection devices.
My kids know to stay out of the pool when I’m not there. Why do I need barriers around the pool?
Kids are curious about water, and even good kids sometimes break the rules. Smaller children might not understand that water can be dangerous, and they’re often faster than we think they are. Even the best parents can’t watch their children all the time. Children can slip out of a door while you’re checking on dinner, tending to another child, or even when you think they’re sleeping. Fences, pool covers, window/door locks and alarms—when used properly—can give you peace of mind that if your child does wander outside, he or she won’t end up in the pool.
Safer Kids
When should my child start swim lessons?
Children can start swim lessons as infants, ideally between four- and six-months-old, but anytime after that is fine.
How many swim lessons does my child need?
Lessons should be on-going to be most effective. Children need to continually practice their skills in the water.
If my child knows how to swim, do I still need to be near the pool?
YES! Knowing how to swim does NOT guarantee that a child will not drown. It is an important step to reduce the likelihood of drowning, but it is not fool-proof. You should ALWAYS watch your kids in the water, even if they know how to swim.
When can I consider my child “drown-proof”?
NEVER! Swimming lessons can help keep a child safe in water, but it’s no guarantee. Children can tire out, suffer a medical emergency or get hurt while playing. No reputable swimming instructor will ever guarantee that swim lessons will prevent a child from drowning.
Are inner tubes, water wings and other “floaties” helpful in protecting kids in the water?
No! Children can remove, slip out of, or tip over recreational floatation devices. They are fun to use under a parent’s supervision, but they should never be considered a drowning-prevention tool.
Where can I find a swim school for my child?
You can check the US Swim School Association’s website www.Usswimschools.org, which lists private swim schools in the U.S. There are many other learn to swim programs such as local YMCA, American Red Cross programs or community sponsored classes.
Safer Response
Where can I find a CPR class in my area?
Check the American Red Cross’s website at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/. You can also check with local hospitals or your fire department.
What should I do if I notice my child is missing?
If your child is in the water every second counts, so check the pool area first. If your child has fallen into the pool, yell for someone to dial 911, get the child out immediately and start CPR. If you’re by yourself, administer CPR for one minute and then call 911. If you do not know CPR, call 911 right away.
What sort of safety equipment should I have near the pool?
Keep a shepherd’s hook, a life-saving ring and a phone near the pool. Post a CPR sign and any emergency numbers you might need.
General
How can I keep my child safer near the water?
There are many steps you can—and should—take to make your child safer near the water. Our Safer 3 program includes steps to create safer water, safer kids and safer ways to respond in an emergency.
How can I support the Swim for Life Foundation?
Become a volunteer in your community to help raise awareness of the Safer 3 message. Donate or help raise funds for the Foundation.
Do you have other Safer 3 materials available to the public?
Yes. Please visit the Safer 3 section of this website and look for the Safer 3 Educational Materials order form.
| 
