Gimme Some Water!

Your hot, tired and ready to jump in and cool off! Go for it, but remember a few tips as you enjoy the H2O:

Swim with a buddy, never alone.    
Don't dive or jump into the water. Always wade in first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.   
Don't push or jump on others.  
Never let small children or infants play alone around water. 
Tell an adult immediately about an unsupervised child or infant.
Be prepared for an emergency by knowing how to dial 911.

If you have younger brothers, sisters, or you are responsible for watching small children and young kids you must know how important it is to WATCH THEM CONSTANTLY AROUND WATER!!

Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death of children. Most drowning and near drowning happens when a child accidentally falls into a pool or is left alone in the tub. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone. As with other unintentional injuries to children drownings are entirely preventable never leave a young child alone or with a sibling in the tub...not even to answer the phone or to get a towel. If you must leave, take the child with you.

Always watch children by the pool, spa, beach, or lake. Beware of backyard pools and spas in the neighborhood. A child could wander off and accidentally fall in.
Install a poolside telephone. I
Never leave 5-gallon buckets (even with a small amount of liquid) in an area accessible to children.  Infants and toddlers are top-heavy and may be unable to remove themselves if they were to fall in.
Enroll in CPR classes in your community. The life you save may be someone you know. Click here for class information.

Become a Designated Child Water Watcher
Tucson’s Designated Child Watcher Program is a collaborative effort between Tucson Fire Department, Patio Pools, and local Whataburger restauraunts. A Child Water Watcher tag with a whistle attached is worn by a designated adult in order to help identify who is taking responsibility for children around water. The Child Watcher agrees to focus ALL of their attention on the safety of the children and does not leave the area for ANY reason.  This responsibility ends only when the whistle is passed to the next adult or the water activity ends.

How do I become a Child Watcher?
If you would like to become a Designated Child Watcher, please call the Tucson Fire Department Public Education Department at (520) 791-5515

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT A COOL WATER SAFETY GAME FROM AUSTRALIA!