It only takes a second. Drowning doesn’t happen in the way Hollywood portrays it. It’s quick, silent and can often go unnoticed if a parent or guardian is distracted. Vigilance is paramount when children are in or near the water, which is why it is so important to designate an adult Water Watcher.

A Water Watcher is:

  • Assigned to watch children in the water, never leaving them unattended
  • Regularly scans the bottom of the pool
  • Avoids talking on the phone or engaging in distracting, poolside conversations
  • Will call 911 and administer CPR in the event of an emergency
  • Can locate and know how to use all pool safety equipment onsite

If a group of adults is present, they can take turns being Water Watchers, rotating shifts every 15 minutes. This allows everyone to have an enjoyable time at the gathering, while ensuring that children are safer in and around the water. Unfortunately, too many drownings occur at pool parties with many adults present – everyone thinks someone else is watching, when, in reality, no one is watching.

Read more at poolsafely.gov