It only takes a few seconds . . .
Drowning Prevention
Drowning is a serious issue in Clark County because of the access to pools at all times of the year. The typical drowning victim is age 4 and younger and doesn't make any noise when slipping into the pool to go after a toy or other object.
To keep your child safe near water, remember the ABC & D's of drowning prevention: Adult Supervision, Barriers, Classes, and Devices.
Adult Supervision
- always designate an adult to watch children around the pool or spa
- always know where your children are when you are inside your house
Barriers
- put a 60" tall, non-climbable fence around the pool with a self-closing gate
- use a power-operated pool cover
- put alarms on back doors and windows so you know when they have been opened
Classes
- take a CPR and rescue techniques class
- have your child take swimming classes, but know that does not make him or her drown-proof
Devices
- keep a phone by the pool and child's bathtub at all times
- keep other rescue tools, like a shepherd's hook and lifesaving ring, by the pool at all times
- have non-swimmers wear personal flotation devices (life jackets, not arm floaties) near all bodies of water
Other Drowning Safety Tips
- never leave a back door open if your pool doesn't have a fence
- drain kiddie pools after every use
- always look immediately in the pool when your child is missing
- never leave your child alone in the bathtub
- always remove toys from the pool after playing in the pool and store them securely away
More Information
For more information on how to keep children safe near water, visit the Southern Nevada Health District's Drowning Prevention web page.
