• Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, umbrella, or the stroller canopy.
• Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats.
• If you cannot keep your baby covered and in the shade, sunscreen can be applied. Use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face and the backs of the hands. However, before covering your baby with sunscreen, be sure to apply a small amount to a limited area and watch for any reaction.
• Set a good example. You can be the best teacher by practicing sun protection yourself. Teach all members of your family how to protect their skin and eyes.
• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment!
• Make sure adults are trained in life-saving techniques and CPR so they can rescue a child if necessary.
• Surround your pool on all four sides with a sturdy five-foot fence.
• Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
• Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
• Children are not developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday.
• Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning
• Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”

Last Updated
5/12/2013