Once they get to the pool, there are things that parents should quickly look for and do before their child even gets into the water to keep them safe.
- Tie long hair back and remove any dangling jewelry or lose strings from your child's swimsuits (to avoid any dangerous situations with drains or suction outlets).
- Make sure they have proper floatation devices on if they can't swim, even when they are near the water but aren't swimming yet.
- Do a quick sweep to spot any loose, broken, or missing drain covers.
- Know where the emergency vacuum shutoff switch is before kids swim in case of an emergency.
- See if there are Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) compliant, antientrapment drain covers at both public and residential pools (these are the covers that are curved, and they are much safer than the flat covers!). If they aren't, encourage your child to stay away from the drains at all costs.
