The Tampa Parks and Recreation Department wants you to be safe in and around the water, so please remember these tips.
- Always supervise children around a pool.
- Fence and cover your pool. Make sure the fence gate is self-closing and self-locking.
- Use a pool alarm.
- Do not place objects near a fence that children can climb onto to get into the pool.
- Keep a life ring near the pool at all times.
- Be sure the telephone is handy whenever you are using the pool.
- Dive safely. Know whether the water is deep enough, dive only in the deep end of the pool and never dive into water when another swimmer is nearby.
- Remove vegetation and other obstacles to be sure you have a clear view of the pool from inside the house.
- Drain standing water from pool covers. Even a few inches can be dangerous to young children.
- Never use a pool after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
- Use only non-breakable items in the pool area. Never allow bottles or glass around the pool.
- Enforce the buddy system -- never let anyone swim alone.
- Don't enter a pool if you can't see the bottom of the deep end of the pool or the water is cloudy.
- Never eat or chew gum while swimming -- you might choke.
- Never swim under diving boards and slides.
- Go down slides in a sitting position with your feet first. Never go headfirst or you might injure your head, neck or back.
Sources: American Red Cross and National Safety Council