Checklist for pool safety

Never swim alone. Use the buddy system and maintain eye contact.
Never leave children (even those who can swim) unattended in, around or near pools â€“ not even for a few moments.
Keep the pool area locked and secure when not in use.
Swim only in supervised and approved areas.
Keep rescue equipment near the pool. Have emergency flotation devices and a phone near the pool.
Enroll children in swim lessons.
Enforce water safety rules. No running, pushing or dunking.
Never falsely claim to need help in the water.
Take all toys out of the pool when not swimming so that children will not be tempted to go after the toys.
Learn CPR and water rescue techniques. (The East Lyme Police Explorers may offer CPR in the future as a fundraiser. If interested, please email them at cpr@eastlymepoliceexplorers.org)
Have a professional inspect all entrapment hazards in the pool, including the pump and drain.
Know and mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool pump.

Checklist for playground safety

Never leave children unattended.
A soft surface with a minimum depth of 12 inches should surround all equipment. Items such as wood chips, bark mulch, wood fibers, sand, pea gravel, shredded tires and rubber mats cushion falls best.
A clearing of a 6-foot use zone should surround equipment.
Guardrails should surround elevated platforms and should be at least 29 inches high for preschoolers and 38 inches high for school-age children.
Be sure that your child plays on age-appropriate equipment.
Remove any hoods or drawstrings from clothing that may snag.
Be aware of moving items, such as swings.
Swings should be about 24 inches apart. Place babies and toddlers in full bucket swings for the safest play.
Check slides to ensure that they are well anchored, have firm handrails and good traction on the steps.
Use a traditional spring-loaded see saw, with tires under the seats.
40% of all playground injuries occur on climbing equipment.

MOST IMPORTANTLY Watch children closely!