It won’t be much longer until pool weather returns!
Here are some helpful safety tips to keep in mind when enjoying the water with your family this year:
- Always wear a life jacket when on the water.
- Always watch children when they are in or near any type of water.
- Be mindful of inflatable or portable pools — these types of pools can also pose a drowning risk and are generally not separated by fencing on all four sides.
- Take a CPR course and know how to use rescue equipment in case you need to respond to an emergency.
- Stay alert even with a lifeguard on duty
- Install secure barriers around home pools
- Ensure children wear a fitted life jacket whenever they are around water
- Take swim lessons with Gwinnett Parks to practice safe swimming
- Designate a Water Watcher, a responsible adult who watches kids in the water without distractions
General Safety:
- Supervision: Always supervise children in or near water, and never leave them unattended.
- Swim with a Buddy: Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy.
- Designated Areas: Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Obey Rules: Read and obey all posted safety rules and signs.
- Know Your Drains: Teach children to stay away from pool drains and suction outlets.
- No Diving in Shallow Areas: Avoid diving in shallow areas.
- No Roughhousing: Refrain from roughhousing near the pool.
- Walk, Don’t Run: Walk, don’t run around the pool area.
- Stay Sober: Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating.
- Be Aware of Your Limits: Don’t push yourself too hard or swim when you are tired or cold.
For Home Pools:
- Install Barriers: Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
- Fence Requirements: Ensure the pool fence surrounds all sides of the pool and is at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
- Empty Portable Pools: Empty portable pools immediately after use and store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
- Remove Toys: Remove toys from the pool when not in use.
- Safety Alarms: Consider safety alarms for pool access.
- Check Pool First: If a child is missing, always check the pool first.
For Public Pools:
- Lifeguard Supervision: Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Buddy System: Swim with a buddy.
- Listen to Instructions: Listen to instructions and obey pool rules.
- No Running: Walk, don’t run around the pool area.
Boating Safety:
- Wear a Life Jacket: If you go boating, wear a life jacket.
- Boating Safety Tips: Follow boating safety tips provided by the relevant authorities.
- Know the Water: Be aware of currents, depth changes, and obstructions.
For upcoming County swim lessons, please visit GwinnettCounty.com/SwimLessons
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