National Water Safety Month

Every year during the month of May we observe National Water Safety Month! This is a campaign coordinated by The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals with support from the National Recreation & Parks Association, the American Red Cross and the World Waterpark Association. These organizations represent businesses and other individuals and agencies involved in bringing safe, enjoyable aquatic activities to the American public, from home pools and spas, to waterparks and resort, to public swimming and water recreation facilities.

While everyone can benefit from increased knowledge of water safety, we know children need extra education. We believe it is never too early to start introducing basic water safety measures. We offer the following tips to get a head start on water safety education:
1. Never leave a child unattended in or near water. Never leave children unattended even for a second- around any water! Did you know that it takes only less than two inches of water for someone to drown? This means not only can children fall into a pool and drown, but they can fall into a bucket or a puddle! It is always better to be overcautious than under-cautious.
2. Teach children how to swim. Able children can learn how to swim starting at the age of ONE! Not only that, it is highly recommended that all children have had swimming lessons by the age of 4. The sooner children are capable of handling themselves in the water, the safer they will be.
3. Teach children to stay away from drains. Hair, limbs, jewelry, and bathing suits can get stuck in a drain or a suction opening. This can cause a child to be trapped in the water and then consequently drown.
4. Ensure all pools and spas - both in your backyard and any public pool you may visit - have compliant drain covers. Again, better safe than sorry!
5. Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa. Even in these situations, and even in situations where lifeguards are present - still do not leave your children unattended!
6. Know how to perform CPR on children and adults. Often, bystanders are the first to aid a drowning victim, so learning CPR can help save a life. And once you’re CPR certified, make sure to keep your certification current. CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or by contacting the American Red Cross.

Blue Ribbon Pools is proud to be a local sponsor of “Safety Around Water,” a free public YMCA program taking place from June 6-10. Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old. Last year, 83 children died in Florida due to drowning. The purpose of this program is to educate children on proper water safety.

For more information, visit the following http://vfymca.org/safety-around-water/.

Another successful "Dayton 2 Daytona" Trip has just wrapped up! This tradition has been carried on for over 30 years. College Juniors and Seniors out of Dayton, Ohio travel to Daytona Beach for 5 days of both party and relaxation. This year our guests were treated to a performance by the band SmashMouth and stayed at the beautiful Ocean Breeze Club Hotel, which Blue Ribbon Pools services. We hope our guests enjoyed their stay and look forward to next year's group!

Never leave your child unattended around ANY source of water, especially a pool or beach. Most drowning incidents in children occur under the age of 4. Lack of water safety education can following into adulthood. It is estimated that 10 people die every DAY from drowning, and only about 20% of them are under the age of 14. May is National Water Safety Month, and it is something that Blue Ribbon Pools takes very seriously. Please start educating your children on water safety as young as possible!

Blue Ribbon Pools will be celebrating National Water Safety Month all month long. It is important that children learn pool and water safety tips as young as possible-- it will save their lives and help to avoid potential life-or-death situations. Here are some tips from The American Red Cross for the whole family.

May is National Water Safety Month! During this month, schools, organizations, and parents are encouraged to educate their children on the importance of water safety. This will be done through educational programs, PSAs, and government proclamations throughout the month.

Visit http://www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org/
for printable water-safety-themed materials.