Pool Safety Tips

Whenever a pool is involved, it's important to stay vigilant year-round with a special emphasis during the summer!

Learn the ABCs of Pool Safety

Assign an adult who can swim as the "water watcher" to specifically watch kids in the pool.
The "water watcher" should keep a cell phone handy with the address of the pool (in case they need to call 9-1-1).
The "water watcher" should only use their cell phone if necessary. They shouldn't browse their cell phone or read when they're the "water watcher."
The "water watcher" should never leave children in or around a pool unattended - not even for a second!

Install and maintain proper fencing around your pool. Report maintenance problems at a public pool.
Make sure all gates are self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool.
Take away all objects that allow a child to climb up or reach the gate latch, or climb over the fence.
Use additional layers of protection, including pool safety covers, gate alarms, door alarms, motion-detection devices, etc. Inspect them monthly.

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and rescue techniques.
Sign up for swim lessons if you don't know how to swim.
Learn how to use rescue equipment around a pool, such as a shepherd's hook or life-saving ring.
Learn about the proper behavior in and around water. Teach children the same behavior.

Yell for help and check the scene to make sure that you can safely help the child.
Get the child out of the pool and onto the pool deck.
Check for consciousness by tapping and shouting, “Are you okay?”
If someone is with you, have them call 9-1-1. Determine if the child is breathing: tilt the head back, if you do not hear or feel breathing or see the chest rising, give 2 rescue breaths, then check for a pulse.
Begin CPR immediately and continue until emergency help arrives.
If you are alone and the child is not breathing and/or does not have a pulse, start CPR immediately. After one minute, call 9-1-1. Return to the child and continue CPR until help arrives.

Download the free app "Swim" by the American Red Cross (iPhone) (Android).
Learn to help keep your loved ones safe in & around water with drowning prevention and emergency response information. Includes educational games and videos for kids, plus a swim lesson progress tracker.

Sing along to a child-friendly song about the 4 simple steps of pool safety.

The pledge form only requires a name and zip code.

Watch a public service announcement (PSA) from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding pool safety.

In sum, the West Covina Fire Department encourages you to consider these pool safety tips to maximize your enjoyment at the pool!