Quick Tips for At-Home Water Safety

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• Never leave children unattended near water: Even for a moment, never leave children alone in bathtubs, buckets, or pools.

• Install safety barriers: Use gates or fences to prevent young children from accessing pools or tubs without supervision.

• Keep bathroom doors closed: Always keep bathroom doors closed and use safety locks for extra protection.

• Store water in secure containers: Buckets, basins, and other containers should always be emptied after use.

• Teach kids to swim early: Start water safety education early, especially if you have a pool at home.

• Supervise bathing: Always stay in the room when young children are bathing, even if they can swim.

• Keep water temperatures safe: For bathtubs and hot tubs, ensure water temperature is safe (no hotter than 100°F / 37.8°C).

• Install non-slip mats: Prevent slips and falls in the bathroom or around the pool with anti-slip mats.

• Use drain covers: Prevent entrapments by using proper drain covers in pools and hot tubs.

• Keep electrical appliances away from water: Never use electrical appliances near water to avoid electrical shock risks.
   

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General Water Safety at Home

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• Never Leave Children Unattended Near Water
  The leading cause of drowning for children under 5 is in the home. This can happen quickly and quietly in just a few inches of water. Always stay with young children during bath time, and be sure to keep a close eye on them when they are near any type of water.
   

• Install Safety Barriers
  Pools should be surrounded by a four-foot fence or barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. The fence should be high enough to prevent young children from climbing over. For hot tubs, ensure the cover is locked and cannot be easily removed by small children.
   

• Bathroom Safety
  Bathtubs and toilets are common places for water-related accidents at home. Always keep the bathroom door closed and use safety locks on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies. If you have a toddler, consider installing a toilet lid lock to prevent accidental drowning.
   

• Supervise Bath Time
  Even if your child is able to sit or stand in the bath, never leave them unattended. Always stay within arm’s reach. It only takes seconds for a child to slip and get into trouble.
   

Pool Safety at Home

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• Fencing and Pool Covers
  A pool fence is essential for preventing accidental drownings. Ensure the fence is at least 4 feet high with no gaps that a child could slip through. The pool gate should be self-closing and self-latching, and always keep the gate closed and locked when not in use.
   

• Use Life Jackets and Floatation Devices
  For young children or non-swimmers, always use a properly fitting life jacket when in or around the pool. Avoid relying on inflatable floaties, as they can deflate or tip over.
   

• Know How to Respond in an Emergency
  Familiarize yourself with basic life-saving skills, including CPR for children and adults. In case of an emergency, act quickly but remain calm. Dial 911 immediately for help and start CPR if necessary.
   

• Empty Pool Toys and Buckets After Use
  Always remove water from toys, buckets, or any containers after use. Children can drown in just a small amount of water, so it’s important to eliminate any potential risks. Store these items in places where children cannot access them unsupervised.
   

Hot Tub and Spa Safety

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• Monitor Water Temperature
  The water in hot tubs and spas should be no warmer than 100°F (37.8°C). High temperatures can cause overheating, dehydration, and even unconsciousness. Always check the temperature before entering, especially for children or elderly people.
   

• Supervise Children
  Children should never be allowed in hot tubs unsupervised. Their smaller bodies are more susceptible to heat, dehydration, and drowning. If your hot tub has jets, be cautious as they can create strong currents that may be difficult for small children to escape.
   

• Drain Safety
  Hot tubs and pools with strong suction drains can pose entrapment risks. Always ensure the drains are equipped with safety covers and regularly check for any damage. Never allow children to play near or in the drain.
   

Bathtub Safety

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• Non-Slip Mats and Bath Seats
  Install non-slip mats or decals on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent slips and falls. If bathing an infant or toddler, consider using a bath seat or support designed for water safety.
   

• Safe Water Temperature
  Set the water heater to a maximum temperature of 120°F (48.9°C) to avoid scalding injuries. Always test the water temperature with your hand before placing a child in the bath.
   

• Never Leave Children in the Bathtub Unattended
  Drownings can happen quickly in the bathtub. Always stay within arm’s reach of children in the bath, even if they are just playing or splashing. If you need to leave the room, take the child with you.
   

 

Water Safety in the Home with Small Containers
 

• Be Mindful of Buckets, Basins, and Containers
  Buckets, mop basins, or even small containers of water (like in the kitchen) can pose a drowning hazard. Always empty these containers after use and store them out of reach of children.
   

• Keep Water Accessible but Secure
  For example, never leave water-filled containers (like potted plant trays) on the floor or in places where children can easily reach them. If possible, cover the containers or use a lid to prevent accidental drowning.
   

Electrical Safety Around Water

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• Keep Electrical Devices Away from Water
  Always ensure electrical appliances such as hairdryers, radios, or toasters are kept away from water sources. Never touch an electrical device while wet or standing in water, as this increases the risk of electrical shock.
   

• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
  In areas where water is used regularly, like bathrooms and kitchens, make sure GFCIs are installed. These devices shut off power if they detect an imbalance, preventing electrical shock.
   

Teaching Kids Water Safety

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• Enroll Kids in Swimming Lessons
  It’s important to teach kids to swim at an early age. Swim lessons teach them water safety skills, such as how to float, tread water, and safely exit the pool or bathtub.
   

• Practice Water Safety Rules
  Teach children water safety rules from a young age: never swim alone, always swim with a buddy, and never push or shove others in the water. Encourage them to follow safety rules when at home or when visiting others with pools.