• NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN UNSUPERVISED-Children can drown in a few inches of water in a few minutes - teach children to stay out of the water until an adult is supervising them.
• Watch out for the risk of electrical shock in pools and spas - see Don't Swim With Shocks - CPSC, American Red Cross Warn of Electrocutions in Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
• Supervise young children when using restrooms and change rooms - See Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms
• Stay out of water that has been posted as unsafe for swimming.  Young children can swallow pollutants with water and illnesses such as diarrhea and respiratory, eye, nose and throat infections can result.  If water is unclear, objects like broken glass and other hazards won't be visible.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and often - Click here to see Sun Safety Tips. 
• Have children wear sun glasses. 
• Children should be taught how to swim - lessons include safety instruction.
• Teach children to never dive into the water.
• If children want to jump in, parents should check first to see if water is deep enough and then only feet first.  Parents should be in arm's reach to supervise.
• When using a slide, children should always go down feet first, one at a time, never head first.
• Make sure children stay away from pools that are covered up and never walk on pools in the winter.
• Teach children to stay away from frozen lakes, rivers and ponds - see First Aid Safety Tips from St. John's Ambulance - Dangers of Spring Rivers
• Review with your children your family’s basic safety rules eg, no running, pushing, or hurting other children, respect for other children and people using the beach or pool and NEVER PUSH ANYONE UNDER THE WATER.
• Check the beach or pool area for safety including any chemicals that may be around pool area.
• Teach children and keep them away from all water sources, especially rivers.
• Always get out of a pool or lake if a storm is approaching.
• Lifejackets are a great idea for young children - inflatable toys are not safety devices and play with them must be closely supervised.
• Use your common sense as parents to ensure your vacation is Hotel Fun 4 Kids™.
• Long hair should be tied up and loose clothing should not be worn in the pool.
• Young children should not go into spas or hot tubs.
• Watch that children do not touch any pool chemicals.
• Teach children to obey pool safety rules.
• Always wear life jackets in boats.
• Warn your children to stay away from drains, filters and drain covers in pools and hot tubs - this is very dangerous  – see Travel News - click the symbol: 
• Hot Tubs also present a danger to children when the heat is too high - see Winter Safety Tips for more information.
• Watch for Althlete's Foot Fungus between the toes - toes get itchy and skin cracks in the folds.  Althlete's Foot is contagious.  Wearing sandals around the pool and changerooms can reduce the risk of infection.  Cotton Socks and Leather or cotton shoes allow feet to breathe.  Sprinkle baking soda in shoes to absorb moisture.  Treat immediately and pack treatment powder - First Aid Tips for tips on what to pack in a first aid travel bag.  It can spread to hands so tell children not to scratch which can lead to serious infection.  Use a separate towel for feet of the infected person to avoid spreading.

CPSC Warns about Pool Hazards, Reports 250 Deaths of Young Children Annually - Federal Agency Launches Drowning Prevention Initiative, Holding Public Hearings

Don't Swim With Shocks - CPSC, American Red Cross Warn of Electrocutions in Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas

CPSC, Industry & Safety Groups Mark Baby Safety Month with Drowning Prevention Campaign

 See the following sections for specific tips:

Pools and Parasites- Keeping Your Child Safe - The Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation (CDHNF) Warns Parents about Dangerous Waterborne Bacteria and Parasites Peak During Late Summer

First Aid Safety Tips for Managing an Emergency from St. John's Ambulance

Keep the Bugs at Bay, Eight Tips for a Bug Free Summer

First Aid Tips for Cleaning, Treating and Protecting Minor Wounds

Safety News - Summer Safety Warning - Press Release from Consumer Product Safety Commission

For General Travel Safety Tips Click on 

For Car Safety Tips Click on

For Safety Tips when visiting Petting Zoos and Animal Farms Click Below:

For First Aid Tips about Insect Stings Click Below:

For Safety Tips on Walking with Children Click Below:

For Hotel Safety Tips Click on

For Biking Safety Tips Click on

For Fire Safety Tips Click on

For Playground Safety Tips Click on

For Winter Holiday Safety Tips Click on

For Safety Tips for Using Public Washrooms Click on

For Kids Club Safety Tips Click on

For Sun Safety Tips Click on

For First Aid Tips Click on

For In-line Skating Safety Tips Click on

For Safety Tips - Severe Allergic Reactions Click on

For Tips on Buying Safe Toys Click Below:

For Seasonal Holiday Safety Tips Click Below:

You may also want to check out

 Travel News - Safety Issues

Click below to return to Travel Safety Tips