Water Safety | Park District of Highland Park

Ten Water Safety Tips for Parents

Discuss water safety and rules with your children before every visit to the pool or beach
Ensure your children have strong swimming skills by enrolling them in swimming classes
If you bring a child’s friend to the pool, assess their swimming ability yourself, don’t just rely on what their parents tell you
Don’t give shoulder rides, you may not be able to tell if your child’s head is above water
Don’t let your children play breath-holding games
Keep toys that sink to the bottom of the pool at home
Watch your children at all times around any body of water
Don’t get distracted by books or electronics, you are there to have fun, so unplug!
Remember to always stay within an arm’s reach of your child, even if they’re wearing a life jacket
Only use Coast Guard-approved life jackets that are properly fitted–Hidden Creek Pool has Coast Guard-approved life jackets for children (x-small-medium) that are free to use while at the pool

Have an adult with you whenever you go swimming
Make sure a lifeguard is watching the pool and the adult you are with gives you permission before you go into the water
Don’t rough house or play breath-holding games; it’s dangerous
If you see someone in trouble yell “HELP!” over and over again – don’t try to help someone in trouble yourself, or you could be pulled under
If you are tired, remember to take a break

Matt

Hartnett

Aquatics Manager

Shelby

Mepham

Aquatics Supervisor – Programs