May is National Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month is a campaign that is observed every May in order to raise awareness about drowning prevention and overall water safety.  The campaign primarily focuses on educational programs, public service announcements, and other resources (such as posters, safety toolkits, life jackets, etc.) to get the word out.  It is coordinated by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance with support from the American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, National Recreation & Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association.

As pool season kicks off for many of approximately 40,000 swimming pools in Denton County, it is important to be aware of pool safety and to be proactive.  Swimming is an excellent activity that family and friends can enjoy together, but we must always have respect for the potential danger that exists.

Following are some water safety tips from the Pool Safely website:

1. Supervise Children: Always watch children in or near water, never leave them unattended
   Always watch children when they’re in or near water, and never leave them unattended. Designate an official Water Watcher, an adult tasked with supervising children in the water. That should be their only task – they shouldn’t be reading, texting or playing games on their phone. Have a phone close by at all times in case you need to call for help, and if a child is missing, check the pool first. Even if a lifeguard is present, parents and caregivers should still take the responsibility of being a designated Water Watcher. When any lifeguard chair is empty, the remaining lifeguards may not be able to see the entire pool and when lifeguards are seated in low chairs, their view can be blocked by patrons in the pool.
2. Learn to Swim: Teach children how to swim
   Swimming is not only fun, it’s a lifesaving skill. Enroll children in swimming lessons; there are many free or reduced-cost options available from your local YMCA, USA Swimming chapter or Parks and Recreation Department.
3. Know Your Drains: Teach children to stay away from drains
   Do not play or swim near drains or suction outlets, especially in spas and shallow pools, and never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broken or missing drain cover. Children’s hair, limbs, jewelry or bathing suits can get stuck in a drain or suction opening. When using a spa, be sure to locate the emergency vacuum shutoff before getting in the water.
4. Ensure Compliance: Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers
   Virginia Graeme Baker, after whom the Pool and Spa Safety Act is named, died from drowning due to a suction entrapment from a faulty drain cover. All public pools and spas must have drain grates or covers that meet safety standards to avoid incidents like the one that took Graeme’s life. Powerful suction from a pool or spa drain can even trap an adult.
5. Install Safety Devices: Install barriers, covers, and alarms 
   Proper fences, barriers, alarms and covers can be lifesaving devices. A fence of at least four feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children. The water should only be accessible through a self-closing, self-latching gate. Teach children to never try to climb over the gate or fence. Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area, and keep pool and spa covers in working order.
6. Get Certified: Know how to perform CPR on children and adults
   Often, bystanders are the first to aid a drowning victim, so learning CPR can help save a life. And once you’re CPR certified, make sure to keep your certification current. CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or by contacting the American Red Cross.
7. Take the Pledge: Take the Pool Safely Pledge!
   Before heading to the pool or spa with your family, remember to take the Pool Safely Pledge. (available at  the Pool Safely Pledge form) This online call to action is a reminder to stay safer around the water.

For more information on Water Safety Month, visit the National Water Safety Month website or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/watersafetymonth.