Staying Safe in the Water this Summer

“Healthy and Safe Swimming Week” takes place the last week of May. Take the steps to keep your family safe in the water this summer.

Some things to consider when hitting the water:

When near or in water, ALWAYS assign an adult to watch children. This adult is in addition to a lifeguard on duty.

Appropriate barriers to water:

• A four-sided non-climbable fence or wall that is at least 4 feet tall. Any vertical slats must be less than 4 inches apart.

• A self-closing and self-latching gate that opens AWAY from the pool.

• A properly fitted pool/spa cover that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and can hold up to two adults and one child in the event the child needs to be rescued.

All people over 6 months of age should take formal swim lessons. Babies can begin classes (with an adult) at 6 months.

A properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the best choice of a flotation aid for weak or non-swimmers. Water wings/ floaties, pool noodles and inflatable tubes are fun but not a substitute for watchful adults.

Teach children to stay away from drains, regularly inspect pool drains to ensure covers are in place and not damaged, know how to shut off the pool pump, tie back loose hair and do not wear swimsuits with loose/long pieces.

All caregivers should know how to perform CPR. Visit page 53 for details on CPR training.

Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in the United States for children under 5 and a leading cause for ages 1-14.

Signs that a person might be drowning:

• Silence. In most cases, drowning is silent. Victims cannot call for help as they are struggling to breathe.

• Mouth bobbing below and above the water level but unable to get a breath.

• Body is upright in water with no evidence of kicking.

• May see involuntary arm movements. May look like the person is trying to climb a ladder. In most cases, they cannot wave for help.

These water sources are drowning hazards for anybody in the water:

• All pools (backyard, kiddie pools, community, above-ground and in-ground)

• All open water (lakes, rivers, oceans, creeks, drainage ditches, ponds, streams, puddles)

• Toilets and washing machines

• Bathtubs, buckets and puddles

Safety and swim classes are available through Westerville Parks and Recreation. Information on swim lessons may be found on page 43. CPR classes (page 53) are taught by the Westerville Division of Fire. Additional information can be found at www.westerville.org/aquatics.

Now Hiring Lifeguards

Westerville Parks and Recreation is hiring lifeguards for HPAC and the Community Center pools.

Apply at www.westerville.org/jobs.