Be Water Smart!

Being around water can be fun, but make sure you are doing it safely by being Water Smart!

Find the full packet in English below.

Encuentre el paquete completo en español a continuación.

Jwenn tout pake a an kreyòl anba a.

Adult Water Watcher During Gatherings

Rotate responsibility with other sober adults every 15 minutes, if possible (wear identifying object).
Watch the body of water without distraction. (e.g., No cell phone, reading, talking or eating)
Learn to Spot a Drowning Victim:
- Silent – There is no spare breath to call for help.
- Bobbing up and down – Mouth sinks below the water’s surface, pops up just enough to breathe and sinks back down.
- Stiff-armed – Instead of waving for help, arms are out to the side, hands pressed down on the water to keep afloat. Cannot even reach out to grab a life preserver.
- Still – No kicking, body will be straight up and down, almost like standing in water.

Bathroom Safety

Backyard Safety

Have layers of protection and rescue equipment.
Be on guard, if there is an emergency, Call 911; Reach a long object out to the person in trouble, while lying down on the ground; Throw an object that floats out to the person;
Above ground pools, remove ladders when not in use and any toys laying about.
Teach children to stay out of dirty water (e.g., lakes, ponds, and canals).

Beach Safety

Escape rip currents. Don’t fight, swim left or right or float and yell for help.
Know color of flags (Red, Yellow, Green, Purple).
Always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

Boating Safety

Always wear properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
Designate a sober skipper.
Share your trip itinerary (float plan) with friends/family in case of emergency.
Always keep an eye out for divers and their flags along with marine life.
Have an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board to notify rescue personnel of your position, in case of an emergency.

Classes in Swimming

Find an aquatic facility in your area for water safety swim lessons.
Swimming lessons do not replace barriers, such as pool fencing and alarms.
Swimming lessons are not a substitute for adult supervision and vigilance.
Before signing up for swim lessons, consider the following:
- Avoid programs that claim to offer drown proofing techniques.
- Only choose programs that offer swim instructors certified by a nationally recognized program as required by the Florida State Statutes.
WaterSmart FL offers free swim lessons

Drain Safety

Have compliant drain covers per Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Not sure if your pool drain is in compliance? Is your pool missing a drain cover? Check with a certified pool professional for more information.
Stay away from all pool and spa drains to prevent suction entrapment.
Confirm location of emergency cut-off switch to pool pump.

Driving Safety

If a vehicle enters a body of water: Stay Calm, Unbuckle Belt, Roll Down Window, Exit Vehicle.
Have a rescue escape tool with a seatbelt cutter in close proximity.
Know whether or not side windows are laminated (not breakable) or tempered (breakable).

Special Needs

Those with Autism and related disabilities are more susceptible to drowning, hence, the need for swim lessons.
Ensure instructor has the necessary qualifications to teach adaptive aquatics.
If a child goes missing, Call 911 and search nearby bodies of water; caregivers need to stress the importance of water dangers to child(ren).
Inform first responders of the special needs individual at residence.

Learn more below or visit WaterSmartFL