1. BABY OTTER
ANDRE’ DAWSON
AQUATIC CENTER
PRESENTS
LAYERS OF
PROTECTION
AROUND THE
POOL AND HOME
by Marlene Bloom

2. DON’T LET YOUR CHILD
BECOME A STATISTIC.
Take action NOW!
Only you can help stop drownings NOW!
It is time to become educated on the prevention of drowning.
Let’s take the first steps on safety so we can all be safe around water.
Parents and pool owners all need the knowledge to make the surroundings
around the pool a safe environment. Here is a comprehensive, concise, and
practical educational tool to assist people in recognizing and respecting the
deadly potential of unsafe conditions and behaviors around swimming
pools.

3. LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Safety: A Pool Owner’s Visual Guide
The time you spend watching this presentation
could one day save your child’s life.

4. In many areas, drowning is the leading cause of death in children
under the age of five. Can you imagine walking outside to your pool
and finding your child face down and lifeless with just the orange ball
floating in the water. In a state of panic and without the correct
information would you know what to do? Children drown in pools
every single day. This DVD will guide you through the critical steps
that every person MUST know.

5. PARENTAL SUPERVISION
• The number one layer of protection is parental
supervision. You can never take your eyes off
of your children while you are in or around a
pool.

6. Questions about Parental Supervision:
•My children know how to swim, why
do I need to watch them?
•No matter how old your children are, supervision is always
necessary. At any time they can get a cramp and not be able to
reach the side or steps. Always make sure that proper pool
rules are being followed so no one gets hurt, and that your child
does not over extend their ability by trying to do something
that is beyond their capabilities. No swimmer should ever swim
by themselves even if they happen to be an excellent swimmer.
This goes for adults as well as children.

7. •While I am at work, should my
babysitter be able to supervise our
child in the water?
•We only recommend a babysitter supervising a child in the
water if your babysitter has taken a CPR course, knows
how to swim, has no fear of the water, understands every
area of the DVD, and has access to a telephone to be used
in emergencies only. You really have to trust your child’s
caretaker to be able to allow him/her to supervise your
child in the water. You need to discuss this participation
with the caretaker so you know he/she feels comfortable
in this position and review the pool rules that need to be
followed. It is also recommended that when the time
comes, the sitter review the rules with your child before
they go swimming.

8. •How should I handle a situation when
my child wants a friend to come over
to go swimming?
•The most important issue to consider is, Do you want to be
responsible for this child? If you do, then you need to talk to
the parent of the other child. Ask what swimming skills their
child is capable of performing. Are they comfortable in any part
of the pool. Always ask, “If their child fell into the water would
they know what to do?” If you are not sure about being
completely responsible for that child, invite the parent to join
you so they can keep an eye on their own child. Always explain
the pool rules to your guests so they know what type of behavior
you expect from them. This will usually make the experience run
smoothly and everyone will be more comfortable.

9. •My older child is an excellent swimmer
and very responsible. Should I allow
him to be in charge of his/her younger
sibling?
•We do not recommend leaving that type of
responsibility on another child. It is difficult
enough for adults to pay attention, you can not
expect another child who is having fun in the
pool to keep his/her eyes on a sibling.

10. It is important to have a fence around your pool.
It will only help if you keep the gate closed.
Having furniture next to your pool fence is only an
invitation to a small child to climb over. This has
occurred more than you realize.

11. 4. Questions concerning Pool Fences:
•What type of pool fence should I purchase? – There are
continual improvements in technology on fences that are in the
market place. Pool fences are constructed of mesh material
supported by aluminum poles. Check your local phone book or
the internet for licensed pool fence dealers in your area.
• Where can I find a contractor to give me a price on a
pool? a fence? – You can call your local pool builders or pool
supply companies if you do not have a pool fence company in your
area. If they do not deal with pool fences; they will be able to
guide you in the right direction. It might be wise to do some
research on the internet to learn everything you need to learn
about fences.

12. 3. POOL TELEPHONE

13. Questions about telephones:
•Why is it important not to talk on the telephone while I am watching my
children swimming in the pool? - Talking on the telephone is a distraction away
from your children. The phone should only be used for emergencies only. Save your
conversations for another time. Focus on what is going on in the pool at all times.
•What should I do if the phone is ringing? – Please do not answer it. Most
phones have an answering machine. Let the answering machine take the call.
•I do not have a portable phone, what should I do? – Your phone company can
install a phone jack outside. Have a phone that you can bring out and plug into the
outside jack.
•Is it alright to use a cellular phone? – If you do not have a land phone that you
can use, then use a cell phone. The only problem with a cell phone is that you can
lose contact or your battery might lose its charge.
•The pool that my family uses is the community pool in our complex. What
should I do? –Your complex should provide a phone that can be used for
emergencies only. If they do not provide a phone, then your cell phone would be
the best alternative.

14. 4. Drain Covers
Old drain covers should be replaced with
the required safer drain covers.

15. SHEPERD’S HOOK
The Shepherd's hook is an important tool that every pool
owner needs to have near the pool.
You never want to enter the water to make a rescue
unless you are a lifeguard.

16. 5.How do I use a Shepherd's hook
and other safety devices?
A Shepherd's hook is used while you are standing on the deck of
the pool extending the hook around the victim so you can pull the
person to the side of the pool. Then you are able to pull them out of
the water. This prevents anyone from entering the water and
taking the chance of becoming a victim themselves. A life
preserver can also be used if the person is conscious, but in trouble
in the water. You throw the preserver to the person to grab while
you hold onto the attached rope, then you can pull the person to
safety.

17. 7. Questions about Door Alarms:
•Why is it necessary to have a door alarm that beeps? – There are
several reasons to have a door alarm that sounds every time the door
is opened and closed. Most important, the alarm will alert you every
time a child or adult opens a door. Hearing this beep should be your
signal to know where your children are located. The first place to
look is the pool. Secondly, if you are home alone and you hear the
door being opened, it will indicate to you that an intruder has entered
your home.
•Where can I purchase a door alarm? – If you already have an
alarm system in your home make sure that contacts are on all doors
and windows, also call your alarm company to have them set the chime
or look in your alarm manual. You can set your system to activate the
door chime. If you do NOT have an alarm system, you can purchase
door and window alarms from Radio Shack and many other companies
that can be found on the internet.
•I am hearing impaired, what can I use since I cannot hear an
alarm? – You can have a flasher installed that will indicate there is a
problem that needs to be attended too.

18. 6. WATER LEVEL
Did you know that the water level in a pool plays a very
important role in the difference of a child being able to
save themselves?
1. The higher the level the easier it is for a child to
reach the top.
2. It is important to keep the water level high all year
long.

19. 7. CPR
Questions about CPR classes

20. 2 very important questions….
1. If your child fell into the water
would they know what to do?
2. Would you know what to do if
someone fell into the water?

21. Questions about CPR Classes:
1.Where can I find a CPR class? – Check with your local fire
department and/or hospitals. They usually offer CPR classes. If
they do not, check with your local American Red Cross. We can
recommend private certified instructors in our local area (Broward
County, Florida)
2.How often should I take CPR classes? – Your certificate says
every 2 years. We recommend every year. CPR methods are
constantly changing, so to keep your loved ones safe, you should be
aware of the latest techniques.
3.What type of CPR class should I take? – We recommend you
learn all 3 age levels for CPR. With this type of training you should
be able to handle any situation that might arise.
4.How soon should I sign up for a CPR class? – IMMEDIATELY –
DO NOT WAIT!
5.How much are CPR classes? – You need to call your local hospital,
fire department and/or the American Red Cross for pricing
information

22. 8. SWIMMING LESSONS
With proper instruction from
adapted aquatics, children can learn
and must learn water survival.
What a wonderful social skill you can
present to these children.

23. You “Otter” be Safe Around the Water
The do’s and dont’s of being around or in a pool. Our objective is
to make swimming a fun and safe environment. Let’s work
together to make a drowning incident a thing of the past.
10 Safety Pool Rules
HOW MANY RULES YOU CAN
REMEMBER?

24. 1. DO NOT RUN ON THE DECK.
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS WALK
AROUND THE POOL
A wet deck can cause a slip and fall.

25. 2. Being a good swim buddy
means never pushing your friends
in or into the pool.

26. 3. Don’t leave toys in the pool.
• When you are finished playing in the pool,
remove all of your toys.
• A small child might see the toy in the water
and try to enter the pool to reach for the toy.
• Your toys can get ruined from staying in the
water.

27. 4. No horseplay or rough play in
the water.
• You never want to hurt your friends.
• Remember safe pool rules.
• Play nicely in the water.

28. 5. Never swim alone.
• Parental guidance is the most important
safety rule around the pool.
• Even good swimmers do not swim by
themselves. This goes for adults too.
• Having a buddy system is a safe way to swim
but you still need to have an adult watching.

29. 6. Take a break.
• Swimming is fun and also hard work, so
remember to take a break.
• Remember to have something to drink.
• Have a healthy snack.
• Rest before entering the water again.

30. 7. USE SUNSCREEN
Know the importance of using sunscreen. Don’t let
your fun days turn into tragic days in the future. Be
concerned about skin cancer.

31. 7. Use sunscreen.
• When going out into the sun and swimming,
always put on sunscreen.
• You can start to get a sunburn after being in
the sun for only 20 minutes.
• You can get a sunburn by sitting in the shade
near the water. It is caused from the
reflection of the sun off of the water.

32. 8. Be careful where and how
you jump into the water.
The proper way to jump into the pool is to:
1. Have your toes over the edge of the pool so you can push off
without slipping.
2. Jump straight out away from the wall.
• Never jump over the steps or the bench area in a pool.
• Never jump over people.
• Never jump near other people.
• Never run and jump into the water. You might slip and hurt
yourself.
• Never turn in the air while jumping into the pool.
• Never grab for the side of the pool while you are jumping.

33. 9. “Ready, Set, Go”
• If you are swimming off of the wall or steps to
an adult, please make sure you tell them that
you want to swim to them.
• Wait for the adult to say, “Ready, Set, Go”

34. 10. ALWAYS REMEMBER….
• “IF YOU FALL INTO THE WATER –
• TURN
• KICK
• REACH

35. REVIEW OF
HAZARDS

36. HOT TUBS
When your hot tub is not in use you must keep it
securely closed and locked.

37. Always remember
the following hazards:
1. Tubs, toilets and buckets
2. Spas and pool covers used properly
3. Pool toys left in pool
4. Above ground pools – remove
ladder when not in use.

38. 5. Safety equipment should be
within 4 feet of the pool.
6. Know how to turn pump off.
7. Take all swimmers out of the
pool to answer a door bell or check
something in the kitchen.
8. Make sure pool fence is closed
every time you leave the pool.

39. 9. Know CPR
10. Don’t let distractions interrupt
watching your children in the pool
(changing or feeding the baby, the
dog, telephone ringing, etc.).
11. List all emergency numbers.

41. Questions concerning the Weather:
•What should swimmers do if they hear
thunder or see lightening?
•As soon as you hear thunder or see
lightening, exit the water immediately.
You must do this even if the sun is
shinning in your location because lightening
can travel miles away from the storm.
Lightening will strike water quicker then
land.

42. Questions about pool equipment
care (pumps, drain covers,
chemicals, etc.):
1.Can I care for my own pool or should I have a pool
service? – That is a personal decision. To care for your
own pool, you need to understand how your pump system
works, how to clean your pool (water chemical levels,
sweep the pool, vacuum the pool and clean tiles). You
need a safe place to store all chemicals out of the
reach of children, how to use the chemicals properly,
and how often chemicals need to be used. You can take
a sample of the water to your local pool service store
and they can analyze the water giving you the proper
chemical for caring for your pool. If you do not have
the time to devote to the proper care of your pool, then
we highly suggest you hire a pool service.

43. 2. What type of service can I
expect from a pool service
company?
You can contract for different types of
service. The pool company can be hired to
be responsible for just the chemicals in
your pool or they can be responsible for
cleaning the pool, plus adding chemicals.

44. 3. How often should the pool be
cleaned?
Residential pools should be cleaned by the
pool service at least once a week. Depending
on the usage of your pool, will determine how
often you should contract the company to
service your pool. Be very clear with the
pool service company that the pool fence
gate must be closed when they are
finished. Inform them that one time it is
left open; their service will be terminated
immediately.

45. 4. Where should my cleaning equipment
and safety equipment be stored?
Pool chemicals should be locked up out of the reach of
children. Pool cleaning equipment should be stored up
off of the ground in a safe location.
Safety equipment should be within 4 feet of the pool,
especially the Shephard’s hook and life preserver.

46. 5. Why is it important to know how to
turn off the pool pump even though I
have a pool service?
If someone gets their HAIR, ARM or LEG caught in the drain, the time it
takes you to reach the pump and turn it off means the difference
between life and death. No matter how strong you are it is impossible to
pull someone out of the drain because the force of the water going into
the drain is too strong. You must turn off the pump to release the
person. Everyone in the family should be taught how to turn the pump
off, even children.
Today there are required safety drains. Call a pool service company to
make sure your drain cover is the correct cover and installed properly.

47. 6. Should a lock be placed on the pump
control box so children can not play with
the controls?
Because of the dangers of someone becoming caught in
the suction of the drain cover, you need to be able to
turn off the pump immediately. If the control box is
locked, then you have created another barrier in the time
you can turn the pump off and release the person
trapped in the drain.

48. 7. Do I still need to know how to care for
my pool even though I have a pool service?
It is wise to have the knowledge about how to care for your
pool. You need to test the chemicals in the water every
few days. If the chemicals are not correct, you need to
know how to add additional chemicals or call your service
to come out and add the chemicals. Check your contract
because they might charge you extra for the additional
trips to your home.

49. 9. Are there certain times of the year when
more chemicals are needed?
Yes, during rainy seasons and summer time when the pool is
being used more and the sun evaporates the water and
chemicals. If you are using a pool service you should ask
them to leave an extra container of chlorine so you can add
the chlorine when needed. Only keep the extra chlorine
around if you have a safe place to store the chemicals. Ask
your pool service the proper way to administer the
chemicals.

50. Water is empowering to
special needs children.
Give them a safe and positive
experience.