General swimming safety tips
1) Never swim alone.
2) Learn to swim and swim well.
3) Always choose a supervised area.
4) Never drink alcohol and swim.
5) Stay out of water when overheated.
6) Watch the weather.
7) Know your swimming limits.
How to keep children safe around water
1) Always supervise children.
2) Don't rely on flotation devices to replace parental supervision.
3) Always have children use approved life vests.
4) Stay within an arm's length.
5) Have children use the buddy system.
6) Go over pool rules.
Prevent Recreational Water Illness (RWI)
1) Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
2) Don't swallow the water. In fact, try to avoid getting water in your mouth.
3) Practice good hygiene. Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
4) Take children on frequent bathroom breaks or change diapers often. Waiting to hear, "I have to go," may mean it's too late.
5) Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the water and spread illness.
6) Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
