Greater Sacramento Area
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Pool parties
Accidents commonly happen in backyard pool, when there many people are around.
The noise and activity often mask the potential sound of a child falling into a pool.
THERE GENERALLY IS NO SOUND… THERE IS NO CRY FOR HELP…
they just silently slip in.
Here are some additional tips to ensure that a fun time does not turn into a tragedy.
Life jackets
Should be worn by all non-swimmers and weak swimmers.
Use a PF2 US Coast Guard approved jacket
that fits properly (check weight on inside of jacket).
PF2’s will place child on back in the case of water entry.
These can be purchased at boating stores or major retail stores.
Designated water watcher
At group activities around the pool assign one person
to supervise all activities in pool.
Take turns…share the responsibility.
Use a lei, hat, whistle or something around the neck
that signifies someone as the “person watching the pool”.
Hire a responsible teen or young adult for the duration
of the party with the sole responsibility
of sitting by the pool at all times,
even during dinner when no one may be in the pool.
Dinner time is a prime time for accidents to happen.
Parents of non- or weak swimmers
Set up the Pool Rules that a visiting parent has to
accompany their child into the water for the child’s safety.
All non-swimmers and weak swimmers
should be personally supervised by the parent/adult
in charge of that child.
Pool games
Avoid allowing children to play
any BREATH HOLDING games when under water.
Even accomplished swimmers can loose consciousness
and get into trouble.
It is assumed that good swimmers are safe
and they are not watched as closely.
Wrestling and rough play
Establish a “HANDS OFF” policy.
Children can pull or hold each other under
and be unaware that another cannot breath.
Stop jumping, running, getting boisterous,
standing on people’s shoulders,
as accidents can go unnoticed in the confusion.
Food and gum
To prevent choking,
never eat food or chew gum
when swimming diving or playing in the water.
Diving
Establish strict rules about diving into the pool.
Diving should be done only in the deep end
and make sure that other swimmers
are out of the diving area before diving in.
Alcohol
Do not use alcohol when swimming.
Judgment and awareness is impaired
and reaction time decreases.
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