With kids soon to be home for the Summer, the American Red Cross, PoolSafely.gov and the CDC have important pool safety tips for parents:

Teach your kids how to swim If they’re too young or don’t know how to yet make sure they wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Never leave kids unattended in or near water Designate an adult to supervise kids playing in the water and that should be ALL they do…no reading, texting or playing games on their phone, although they should keep one close in case of emergency.

Teach kids to stay away from pool drains Hair or bathing suits can get stuck in a drain or suction opening which makes them dangerous even in shallow water.

Keep your pool maintained  Secure your pool with barriers and covers and remove any ladders used for access if you can.  Also keep the water clear by maintaining proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration.

Learn CPR Everyone in your house should take a class on water safety, first aid and CPR.  You can find classes at hospitals, community centers or by contacting the Red Cross.

Drowning is the #1 cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 and the #2 cause for kids 5 to 9.

Let’s keep everyone safe this Summer!