Firefighter Garcia shares information on how to stay safe in the water. (Mire el video en español | Xem video bằng tiếng Việt | 观看普通话视频 | 觀看國語影片).

Swimming pools and spas are a fun way to enjoy time with family and friends. However, without proper safety precautions, someone can be seriously injured or drown. Young children and inexperienced swimmers are at higher risk. In fact, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1–14.* Follow these water safety tips to help everyone enjoy the water safely.

Swimming Safety Tips

• Never leave a child alone in or around water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Teach children to ask permission before going near water. Remove toys from the pool area when the pool is not in use so they do not attract children.
• Closely supervise children. Assign a responsible adult to watch children in or around water at all times. The supervising adult should avoid distractions such as reading, using a cellphone, or drinking alcohol.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds, so every second counts.**
• Choose swimming areas with lifeguards when possible. Even when a lifeguard is present, continue to closely supervise children. Do not rely on a lifeguard to replace active supervision.
• Wear a life jacket. Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in or near water. Do not rely on inflatable toys or water wings to keep someone safe.
• Use the buddy system. Always swim with a buddy, whether you are a beginner or an experienced swimmer. A buddy can get help if something goes wrong.
  
• Learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can help reduce the risk of drowning. Children who have taken swimming lessons still need close supervision around water.
• Learn CPR. Parents, guardians, and babysitters should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and refresh their skills regularly. CPR can help save a life before emergency responders arrive. To find CPR classes near San José, visit www.redcross.org.
• Learn the signs of drowning. Drowning is not always obvious and may not look like it does in movies. It can happen quickly and quietly. A person may need immediate help if they:
  • Can't keep their face above water or are struggling to breathe.
  • Are upright in the water but can't stay afloat or move to safety.
  • Have their arms extended to the side while trying to push themselves above water.
  • Do not respond when spoken to.
  • Are face down and motionless in the water.

Secure Swimming Pools & spas

If you own a swimming pool or spa, including an in-ground or aboveground pool, install safety barriers to help prevent children and others from accessing the water without supervision. California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act requires pool owners to install at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features:

1. Enclosure: A fence, wall, or other barrier that separates the pool or spa from the home and limits access.
   
2. Removable Mesh Fencing: A removable mesh fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate and a lockable device.
3. Safety Cover: A manually or power-operated pool cover that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards.
4. Door Alarm: An alarm on doors that provide direct access to a pool or spa. The alarm may provide a sound or verbal warning when the door is opened.
5. Self-Latching Door: A self-closing, self-latching device installed on doors that provide direct access to a pool or spa.
6. Pool Alarm: An alarm placed in a pool or spa that sounds when it detects an unexpected entry into the water.
7. Other Approved Safety Features: Other safety barriers may be allowed if they have been independently tested and approved to meet required safety standards.

Spa Safety Tips

• Don't let children under five use a hot tub. Young children can't cool their bodies as well as adults and can overheat more quickly.
• Use a spa cover. Keep your hot tub covered and secured when it is not in use to help prevent children from falling into the water.
• Keep the water temperature below 104°F. Most adults prefer water temperatures between 100°F and 102°F. Never exceed 104°F.
• Limit time in a hot tub. Limit hot tub use to 15–20 minutes at a time. Spending too much time in hot water can cause overheating and other health problems. Children should spend less time in a hot tub. Limit children under 10 years old to 5–10 minutes at a time and keep the water temperature below 95°F.
• Stay hydrated. Hot tubs can cause sweating and dehydration. Drink plenty of water before and during hot tub use.
• Avoid alcohol. Do not drink alcohol before or while using a hot tub. Alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration, overheating, and other health problems.
• Be careful when taking medications. Some medications can cause drowsiness or affect how your body responds to heat. Talk with your doctor if you are unsure whether it is safe to use a hot tub while taking medication.
• Talk with your doctor about medical conditions. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other serious medical conditions should talk with their doctor before using a hot tub.