The Woodlands Township encourages residents to learn about pool safety during the month of May, which is designated as National Water Safety Month across the United States. In 2018, there were 91 drownings in the state of Texas and 50 of those occurred in backyard pools.
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for young children in the U.S. Make safer water practices a top priority this month with tips and programs offered by the Township such as International Otter Spotter Day on Monday, May 13, 2019, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Falconwing Pool, 5610 Rush Haven Dr. This pool safety program is free and open to the public. The session will include games, information about how Josh the Otter practices water safety and a quick safety lesson in the water.
Tips for Water Safety:
- Lock Doors and Gates Near Pools
Babies and toddlers probably cannot open a locked door or gate. But as all parents know, leave one open and they will find it! Teach older kids and teens the importance of shutting and locking gates. A 4-foot secondary fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around the pool itself is strongly recommended. Consider investing in a pool alarm that will sound if a pool gate is opened or the water is disturbed. - Appoint Water Watchers
Never allow anyone to swim alone. Have a designated water watcher - an adult whose only responsibility is watching the whole pool and keeping children within sight. Let the water watcher know if any child is a weak swimmer. The water watcher should not leave the pool without finding another adult to supervise. Always try to stay within arms reach of young children and non-swimmers. - Keep the Pool Deck Free of Clutter and Toys
Keep the kids' floats, balls, and other toys put away when not in use to dramatically reduce the appeal of the pool to a young child. Place a storage bin outside the pool fence (not against the pool fence) and keep the toys out of sight when not in use. - "Reach or Throw, Don't Go!"
Teach your children that if someone is in trouble in the water, give them some THING to grab onto - not some ONE. Large white ring buoys and fiberglass reaching poles are perfect for helping in an emergency if they are kept close to the water.
In addition to these tips, teach your children never to go near the water without an adult, always swim with a buddy, wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests when needed and follow all pool rules and signs.
The best way to ensure safety when it comes to water is to teach everyone how to swim. The Township offers group and private swim lessons in all seasons. See the Summer 2019 Action Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide, email
For more information on The Woodlands Township, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
