Swimming safety checklist

Fun at the pool and beach starts with a clean and safe place to swim. Here’s a water safety checklist for at the beach or pool:

• The area is supervised by one or more lifeguards.
• The water is clean and safe.
• The facility is clean and well-maintained.
• No electrical equipment or power lines are in the area.
• Emergency communications and safety equipment are available.
• The depth of the water is marked.
• Lifelines separate the shallow from the deep water.

Make sure you supervise children and that they understand the rules at every water facility you visit.

For safe water play in your own backyard pool, keep this checklist in mind:

• Use of the pool should always be supervised by an adult who knows how to swim and knows pool rules and emergency procedures.
• The area should have a secure fence surrounding the pool with childproof locks to guard against unsupervised swimming. The gates should be locked when no adult is present.
• Establish pool rules and post them near the pool. Make sure all your children understand them.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Have a long pole, a ring buoy with a throwing line and a first aid kit close at hand. Keep emergency numbers handy. Get training in lifesaving, first aid and CPR.

For more information see Learn to swim  or Parenting .