Water Safety Resources for Families
Free checklists, emergency contacts, local programs, and trusted national organizations — everything in one place.
Pool & Water Safety Checklist
Print this and post it near your pool. Review it at the start of each swim season.
Pool Barriers
- Four-sided isolation fence is installed (min. 48", ideally 60")
- Gate is self-closing and self-latching
- Gate latch is 54"+ from ground or on pool side
- No furniture within 20" of fence that could be used to climb
- All doors/windows from house to pool area are alarmed
- No gaps larger than 4" in fence panels
Supervision
- A designated "water watcher" is assigned whenever children are near the pool
- Water watcher has no phone, alcohol, or distractions
- Non-swimmers are within arm's reach of an adult at all times
- Inflatable/above-ground pools are drained and overturned after every use
- Pool area is checked before children come outside
Emergency Readiness
- CPR-trained adult is present during every pool session
- Emergency numbers are posted visibly at the pool (911, Poison Control)
- Reaching pole and throw ring are accessible and within 10 feet of pool
- First aid kit is stocked and accessible
- Everyone knows how to call 911 and give the address
Water Safety Skills
- All children ages 1–4 are enrolled in or have completed swim lessons
- USCG-approved life jackets are available for non-swimmers
- Children know the rules: no running, no pushing, no diving in shallow water
- Children can recognize when they are in distress and call for help
Post these near your pool
In an emergency, every second counts. Write your home address on this list before posting it.
If you find a child in the water: Remove them from the water immediately, call 911, and begin CPR if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally. Do not leave the child alone to call for help — shout for someone else to call.
Local Programs & Organizations
Swim lessons, CPR training, and child safety resources serving Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Palm Beach County Parks & Rec — Aquatics
Lessons for ages 6 months+. Multiple locations county-wide.
YMCA of the Palm Beaches
Family swim lessons, adult CPR/AED classes, and water safety programs.
Safe Kids Palm Beach County
Free car seat checks, water safety events, and child safety resources.
Palm Beach County Health Department
Pool inspection records, health codes, and public safety resources.
American Red Cross — SE Florida Chapter
In-person and online CPR/AED training for individuals and families.
USA Swimming Foundation — Swim Lesson Finder
Find certified swim instructors and programs near any zip code.
Trusted National Resources
CDC — Water Safety
Statistics, research, and prevention guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.
American Academy of Pediatrics — Pool Safety
Evidence-based guidance from pediatricians on swim lessons, barriers, and supervision.
Consumer Product Safety Commission — Pool Safely
Federal campaign with resources, videos, and multilingual safety materials.
Safe Kids Worldwide — Drowning Prevention
Research-backed tips, local coalition finder, and free safety materials.
American Red Cross — Water Safety
Open water, pool, and beach safety guides plus CPR training locator.
More from SafeKids Water Safety
Everything parents need to know about pool fences and barriers.
The 5 layers of protection, supervision rules, and CPR basics.
What Florida Statute §515.27 actually requires — in plain language.
Top-rated pool alarms, covers, and swim lesson gear with Amazon links.