Check Water Sources First

Always thoroughly check water sources (pool, spa, hot tub, etc.) first when a child is missing.

If a child is missing, immediately check all water sources by carefully walking the perimeter and checking the water surface as well as the bottom.
Children who drown can quickly sink to the bottom and appear to be a shadow if only the water surface is scanned.
Be thorough but quick. A child’s life depends on swift rescue and resuscitation.
Learn CPR to be able to help a drowning victim.

VIDEO: How to rescue unconscious drowning victims. (Montreal Gazette, YouTube)
VIDEO: Reach or Throw, Don’t Go. (WIVB TV, YouTube) Only qualified swimming rescuers should jump in to help a victim.
BROCHURE: Be prepared for an aquatic emergency. Would You Know What to Do? (American Red Cross)

Enroll in water safety, first aid, and CPR courses to understand how to respond quickly in an aquatic emergency. The American Red Cross offers all three types of classes.

Enroll in water safety, first aid, and CPR courses to understand how to respond quickly in an aquatic emergency. The American Red Cross offers all three types of classes.
Assemble a Water Safety Kit [link to Dive Deeper] for each pool, hot tub, and spa. Set a kit next to each body of water.
Read all of the Water Safety tips. Next layer: Practice Drain Safety.
Take and share the Colin’s Hope Water Safety Quiz.

Keep a water safety kit adjacent to each pool, hot tub, or other water source.
Make sure everyone in or near the pool, hot tub, or other water source knows how to use the equipment in the kit.
Check the expiration dates of the items in the kit regularly.

First aid kit
Scissors to cut hair, clothing, or a pool cover
Rescue equipment to reach or throw (e.g. ring buoy, shepherd’s hook)
Flotation device
Life jackets
Address of the location in case you need to tell 9-1-1 where you are located
Charged portable telephone to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
If possible, call from a landline instead of a cell phone. Using a landline instantly provides the dispatcher with the exact location of the emergency