The Katchakid Pool Code

Never, ever leave children alone around open standing water of any kind.
Never allow your children to swim without a watchful adult present.
Make your child understands how jumping or diving into the water can result in injury. Know the depth of the water and location of underwater hazards before permitting children to jump or dive.
Use approved personal flotation devices on boats, when fishing, and while playing near a river, lake, or ocean.
Teach your child never to attempt to rescue a pet.
Counsel children, especially teenagers, about the dangers of alcohol and drug consumption during water recreational activities.

Secure your pool using multiple layers of protection; Pool Safety Nets, Fences, and Pool Covers.
Guard your pool with age-based supervision:
Touch supervision for toddlers.
Visual supervision for older children and teens.
If entertaining around the pool, consider hiring a lifeguard for the day.
Maintain your pool. Keep the water clear and clean so visibility is kept at a maximum.
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 the door or phone 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. Make sure children’s’ caregivers and supervisors know all the safety precautions and are fully trained in CPR.
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 the fence. Make sure all fence gates have self-closing latches.
Always lock your Pool Gate and never prop it open.

Support efforts in your state to pass legislation to establish basic safety requirements for all swimming areas both public and private.
Learn CPR and Rescue skills. Support the inclusion of CPR training in school.
Let family and friends know that drowning is preventable.

The Katchakid Code