SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS

Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under
the age of 14. Drowning can happen so fast-- sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a
person’s head goes under the water. That leaves very little time for someone to help.
Many drowning and near drowning accidents occur when a child falls into a swimming
pool. But accidents can happen anywhere-- at someone’s home or even at your own
house, and that’s why you need to know how to be safe around water.

 Advice to Remember:

• Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool, even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around.
• Gates are around pools for a reason-to keep kids away from the water when there isn’t a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. NEVER go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
• Always obey pool rules.
• Swim with a buddy.
• If you’re learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved.
• Walk slowly in the pool area. Don’t run.
• Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you’re just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
• Don’t jump on others or push others into the water. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself. 
• Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes. Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can’t do is save a life. They’re toys that can lose air or float away.
• Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim- you could choke.

Taken from http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/water.html