Water Safety Tips from the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)

• Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible.   
       
• Put the cellphone down and give your children undivided attention. Drowning is silent and it only takes a moment.
     

• Always brief babysitters on water safety, emphasizing the need for constant supervision.
           

• Appoint a "designated watcher" to monitor children during social gatherings at or near pools.
     

• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
            

• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency
         
• Have a telephone or cellphone close by when you or your family is swimming
        

• Maintain constant visual contact with children in a pool or pool area. If a child is missing, check the pool first; seconds count in preventing death or disability
         

• Don't use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Never allow a young child in a pool without an adult.
         

• Don't leave objects such as toys that might attract a child in the pool and pool area.
           

• Don't rely on swimming lessons, life preservers, or other equipment to make a child "water safe."
   

• Don't think you'll hear a child who's in trouble in the water; There is not always splashing or yelling to alert you. Pay attention.
   

Help your children make the Safe Swimmer's pledge  

Download and print the Safe Swimmer's Certificate