Safety Warning & Rules for Pools & Lakes

With 80 - 90 degree temperatures in Flower Mound, Texas, and schools out for summer, now is the time to review and know water safety to prevent drowning. 

Water Safety Rules

• Know how to respond to an emergency.
• Do you know how to effectively use current Hands Only CPR methods?
• Never swim alone regardless of age.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Children always need supervision.
• Pool drains and covers can be dangerous.
• Swimming Pool drains can cause suction on the bottom of pools.
• When hair gets caught in drains people may die quickly. 
• Never dive in the shallow end.
• Walk don't run around the pool.
• Infants and small children should never be left alone.
• What are your City or Town Rules regarding fences, gates, and locks?
• Do you have life jackets and floating devices?
• Sun & Alcohol can be dangerous and hazardous to your health.
• Not all dogs can swim in pools and/or lakes.
• Do you use pool, jet skis, and boating safety equipment properly?.
• Are you aware no hazards are allowed around a pool?
• Do you always have proper footwear around lakes & pools?
• Do you know how to get out of water when storms are threatening?
• Do you remember, "Slippery When Wet?"
• Do you listen and obey water safety rules at pools, lake & RV Parks.
• Do you know what No Lifeguard on duty means? 
• TX Code Regulations  § 3120B required "No lifeguard" signs to state "NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" in addition to "Children under the age of 14 shall not use pool without a parent or adult guardian in attendance (effective 2/21/23).

Did You Know

1. In Texas, more children ages 1 to 4 drown than from any other cause?
2. In 2015-16, 159, 225 children in TX were diagnosed with learning disabilities?
3. Adults cannot assume children know and understand consequences. 
4. Overall, including TX, 1 in every 59 children in 2023 have special needs.
5. In the US an estimated 130 million homeowners have swimming pools.
6. Backyard pools are abundant and rules were made for safety.
7. Survival Swimming Lessons save lives.
8. Babies, toddlers, and small kids don't understand consequences.
9. Many adults don't care about consequences.
10. Many adults who should know better don't pay attention to consequences.
11. Not all children will swim if you throw them in a pool.
12. In AZ a father was arrested & charged for throwing his 2 year old into a pool.
13. Children need to be guarded no matter how smart you think they are.
14. Some people have unrealistic expectations for child brain development. 
15. The prefrontal cortex is the last section of the brain to develop.
16. The correct & approved life vests may save lives for children & non-swimmers.
17. Did you know small children drowned at the beach playing with water buckets on the beach?

I wrote these rules to share in hopes everyone stays safe. Be safe. Follow the rules of water safety. If you own a pool, maintain it properly. If you have a pool and will move out of state, another part of the state or country, be sure to notify your insurance company and notify your local authorities when you will be gone. Read your insurance policy to see what it covers for liability. Take swimming lessons, CPR, and First Aid. You can save a life or lives!