Before the party
- Take a CPR class – programs are designed to give you the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency situation
- Bring a cordless or mobile phone outdoors in case of an emergency
- Keep a laminated emergency (e.g., CPR) procedure checklist with local emergency numbers by your pool
- Have a first aid kit available in your pool area
- Mark the shallow and deep ends with pool ropes
- Have rescue equipment (e.g., life ring, pole, shepherd's hook) by the pool
- Have an extra supply of towels on hand for swimmers
- Use non-breakable glassware and tableware
- Ensure flotation devices are in good working order
- Remove the pool cover completely
- Remove toys and clutter from your pool deck
- Make sure chemicals are stored in a safe place, out of reach from children
- Set water safety rules based upon swimming abilities (e.g., inexperienced swimmers shouldn’t swim to an area where they can't stand)
- Don't let anyone swim alone
- Assign a lifeguard (provide a whistle and tall chair to the designated person) to enforce rules such as:
- No running
- No diving
- Exit the pool at the first sign of thunder or lightning
- Encourage children or inexperienced swimmers to use flotation devices
- Ask parents of children who can’t swim to be in or near the pool to supervise
- Provide sunscreen and bug spray
- Be sure the safety gate around the pool is being properly used
- Limit the use of slides and diving boards to avoid injury
- If you can't find a child, always check the pool first
- Ensure adequate lighting for evening swims
- Keep electronics away from the water
- Remove all toys and flotation devices from pool area
- Extinguish tiki torches, fire pits and candles
- Cover the pool (if applicable)
- Be sure the gate is latched and locked
