What to do for Help

... someone has been injured - or is drowning. Do you know what to do?

This is the worst-case scenario that you have to prepare yourself for, because one day something could happen, and you might be the only one there who can help.

We've prepared this emergency preparation checklist to help you make sure you know what to do, and who to call, in case of an emergency.

Prevention & Preparation

Of course, the best way to deal with an accident is to avoid it. That's why we recommend you ...

1. Make sure everyone in the house knows how to swim.
2. Take a water safety course.
3. Insist everyone follow sensible pool safety guidelines, such as never swimming alone.
4. Have your pool completely fenced in if it isn't already.
5. Install a gate with a secure latch and a lock.
6. Establish safety procedures, and make sure all swimmers know and follow them.

We also recommend you set up a "safety post" near the pool with safety equipment and emergency phone numbers. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.)

Step 1: Call 911
The first thing to do in ANY emergency situation is to make sure someone calls 911, since getting emergency medical care to the scene as quickly as possible is your first priority.

911 checklist

__ Keep a phone--or add an extension--by the pool, as well as a list of emergency numbers. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.)

__ Keep vital information about your family members (height, weight, age, allergies, etc.) in a handy place.

__ Be sure you know the address you're calling from, as well as the nearest intersection.

Step 2: Care for the Victim
Offer whatever assistance you can safely provide in the form of CPR or first aid.

Victim Care checklist

__ Keep a first aid kit by the pool.

__ Have safety equipment at a nearby "safety post."

__ Make sure someone in the family knows how to provide CPR and basic first aid.