Marco! Polo!

Having a pool usually makes your house the hangout place for neighborhood kids. Play it safe with these simple rules:

Water Watcher Checklist

• Never take your eyes off of children in the pool or any body of water – even for a moment!
• If you’re in a group, appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
• While supervising, avoid distractions like the phone or reading.
• Maintain visual contact with children in the water.
• Teach children to swim beginning at age four.
• Don’t rely on water wings or other inflatable toys.
• If your child can’t swim, stay within arm’s reach.
• Use only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.
• Tell children to stay away from drains and secure long hair to avoid entanglement.
• Control unsupervised access to the pool/spa using multiple approved barriers.
• Look for life-saving equipment by the pool.
• Learn infant and child CPR. Visit baptisthealth.eventbrite.com for classes near you.
• Make sure children swim within designated swimming areas of oceans, lakes and rivers.
• Never allow a child to dive in water less than nine feet deep.
• Never leave children alone in the bathtub. Even children in baby bath seats and rings must be within arm’s reach every second.
• Keep toilet lids down, and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.

For more water safety tips or to get your own Water Watcher tag, visit Safe Kids of Northeast Florida.