Water Safety

Tips and Reminders for You and Your Children.

Massachusetts has regulations for pools, spas and hot tubs:

• A 4-foot-high barrier must enclose the swimming area – even if you don't have children.
• Access gates must self-close, lock, and open outward from the swimming area.
• Opening/locking mechanism must be located 54 inches high or on the pool side of the gate.
• Access ladders or steps should be removed, locked, or secured to prevent usage by children

FAST FACT: “3500 people in the US die from drowning every year - 1 in 5 are children.”

Check with your city/town hall for any additional regulations.

Remember the ABCs of Water Safety:

• Adult – be sure there is adult supervision at all times.
• Barrier – follow state and local regulations for proper safety equipment.
• CPR – learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation to improve the outcome for drowning victims.

Water Safety Checklist:

• Never leave a child alone near a pool or other body of water.
• Actively supervise children at all times.
• Stay within close reach of preschool-age children.
• Provide locked safety barriers for swimming area when not in use.
• Keep climbable objects away from pool barrier.
• Teach children about water safety.
• Learn CPR – use infant CPR until age 1 then child CPR until age 8.
• Be alert when visiting homes with a pool.
• Remove toys from pool after use.
• Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys. They are not designed for safety.
• Always use US Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating

FAST FACT: “Pools aren't the only risk: Landscaping water features also are safety hazards. These include Koi ponds, fountains, waterfalls, or any other contained water.”