The Katchakid Code

Enjoy the Water and Be Safe!

• Never - not even for a second, leave children alone around open standing water of any kind - Swimming Pool, Spa, Pond, River etc…
  
• Always know where your children are.
  
• Never rely entirely on a safety device or product - nothing can replace constant adult supervision.
  
• Never allow your children to swim alone or without an adult present.
  
• Check the pool first when your child is missing.
  
• Never think or assume that someone is watching your child unless you have designated an adult to watch the water.
  
• When entertaining or using the pool always designate an adult, who can swim, to watch the water at all times. If available in your area hire a lifeguard.
  
• Maintain your pool. Keep the water clear and clean so visibility is kept at a maximum.
  
• Do not swim in thunderstorms or any inclement weather.
  
• Position all swimming pool jets in such a way that any floating objects will end up in the shallow end of the pool close to the steps or ladder.
  
• Remove all toys and floating objects from the pool when it is not in use.
  
• Never allow bikes and 'rideable' toys in the pool area.
  
• Have a telephone jack installed by the pool. Never go to answer a door or telephone bell while your children are swimming or your pool is unprotected.
  
• Buy and have on hand equipment approved by the US Coast Guard - life preservers, life jackets, shepherd's crook etc...
  
• If you have a pool safety fence - do not leave chairs, ladders or other objects near the pool that would allow a child to climb up and over. Make sure all fence gates have self-closing latches.

• Make sure your child understands how jumping or diving into water can result in injury. Know the depth of the water and the
• location of underwater hazards before permitting children to jump or dive.
  
  
• Teach your children to swim and cope with all conditions of all types of water - e.g. depth, water temperature, tides, currents, and weather.
  
• Use approved personal flotation devices whenever on a boat or fishing, and while playing near a river, lake, or ocean.
  
• Teach children not to walk, skate, or ride on weak or thawing ice on any body of water.
  
• Teach your child to never attempt to rescue a pet.
  
• Inform your child of the methods to obtain help.
  
• Support efforts in your state to pass legislation to establish basic safety requirements for all swimming areas both public and private.
  
• Learn CPR and support the inclusion of CPR training in school.
  
• Counsel children especially teenagers about the dangers of alcohol and drug consumption during water recreational activities.
  
• Remove all water from containers, such as pails and 5-gallon buckets, immediately after use and put containers away.
  
• Do not leave children unattended in the bathroom. Never leave a child unattended in the bath. Keep toilet lids closed and locked and bath plugs out of reach.
  
• Make sure children's caregivers and supervisors know all the safety precautions and are fully trained in CPR.