The Six Layers of Protection for Maximum Pool Safety

Drowning is quick, silent and it’s 100 percent preventable. Sadly, according to the World Health Organization, an estimated 360,000 drowning deaths occur worldwide with children having access to water being among those at the greatest risk. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to pool safety. This is why drowning prevention advocates have developed what is known as the “Six Layers of Protection” for infants and children.

Layer 1: Stay Within Arm’s Reach of Your Child

Young children should never be left near a source of standing water without an attentive and responsible adult nearby. Pools and hot tubs are obvious sources of danger, but keep in mind that kiddie pools, bathtubs, and even water tables are a risk to the youngest and most vulnerable among us.

Layer 2: Adult Supervision Is a Must

When kids are near water, there should be a minimum of one adult “water watcher” present at all times. This individual should have his or her attention fixed on the pool. This means no smartphones, no books, no distractions.

Layer 3: Teach Children How to Survival Swim

A common misconception is that children under the age of four are incapable of learning how to swim. This couldn’t be further from the truth. And the American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed their stance to reflect the fact that children around the age of 1 are capable of learning lifesaving survival swim techniques. 

Texas Swim Academy offers Survival Swim lessons taught by trained swim experts. Not only do these lessons help your little one feel more comfortable in the water, but they will also learn how to safely roll from front to back in case of an emergency situation and float calmly in the water until they are rescued.

Layer 4: Create Several Pool Safety Barriers

The more walls – both physical and metaphorical – you can put between people and the pool, the better. All pool fences, gates, alarms, and drains should meet governing regulations. Potential escape routes like pet doors should be removed or secured. Pool and hot tub covers should be sturdy and not collapse should a little one crawl on top of it.

Layer 5: Make Pool Safety Equipment Easily Accessible

Lifesavers aren’t a decoration for your pool area. They’re a valuable drown prevention tool. Other pieces of pool safety equipment to keep nearby includes buoys, throw ropes, pool safety signs and a first aid kit.

Layer 6: Learn CPR

Older children, teens, and adults are all capable of learning CPR. Take the time to learn and then review lifesaving rescue techniques and strategies before each pool season, or at least once a year. Standard first aid and CPR courses are taught in every city and can easily be found with one quick internet search.

For more information about Texas Swim Academy’s Survival Swim lessons and other swim programs for kids and adults, we welcome you to give us a call at (832) 437-6186.

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is a state-of-the-art swimming facility offering water safety, survival swim, and kids swimming lessons in Katy, Texas. Owners Kathleen and Bruce McMordie, alongside our certified staff, help parents introduce children to water at an early age through the Infant Survival Swim Program , teaching life-saving techniques and basic swimming skills.

Our Stroke Development Program offers six different levels to help students progress in their swimming skills at his or her own pace. Our Adaptive Aquatics Program was created specifically for children with special abilities. Find swimming class registration information here. By subscribing to Texas Swim Academy’s blog , you can stay current on valuable water safety resources such as

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