From the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
*Appoint an adult who can swim to watch children while they are in the pool. The supervising adult
should not read, talk on the phone, mow the lawn, leave or turn her back on the pool area,
or do any other distracting activity while watching the children.
*Don’t consider your children to be ‘drown-proof’ because they’ve had swimming lessons.
*Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from above-ground pools. Toddlers are better climbers
than you might think!
*Fence in your pool completely and install a self-closing, self-latching gate. Pool safety covers and
alarms provide added protection.
*Young children should wear or use personal flotation devices, but these devices do not
replace adult supervision. They could deflate or slip from underneath a child, leaving him in a dangerous situation.
*Remind baby-sitters and other caretakers not to leave children unattended near or in water.
Keep pool water clear and remove floats and other toys when the pool is not in use. Cloudy water
and items floating in the water may prevent a child from being seen.
*Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers near all pools. Seconds
count when it comes to preventing death or serious injury.
*Save a life: constantly supervise kids near water.
For more information,
visit www.DCFS.illinois.gov
or call 312-814-68For more information---
Illinois DCFS---http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/docs/CFS_1050-78_Waterwise_English_Rev_5-13.pdf
NBC's Today Show---http://www.today.com/health/drowning-often-quick-silent-how-spot-someone-trouble-6C10223428
American Red Cross---http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Be-Safe-in-the-Water-with-the-Red-Cross
Keep your child safe near the water this summer!
