Water Safety: Tips and Reminders for You and Your Children

Massachusetts has regulations for pools, spas and hot tubs!

“3500 people in the US die from drowning every year - 1 in 5 are children.”

• A 4-foot-high barrier must enclose the swimming area – even if you don't have children.
• Access gates must self-close, lock, and open outward from the swimming area.
• Opening/locking mechanism must be located 54 inches high or on the pool side of the gate.
• Access ladders or steps should be removed, locked, or secured to prevent usage by children.

Check with your city/town hall for any additional regulations

Click here to download our Water Safety brochure 

Remember the ABCs of Water Safety:

• Adult – be sure there is adult supervision at all times.
• Barrier – follow state and local regulations for proper safety equipment.
• CPR – learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation to improve the outcome for drowning victims.

“Pools aren't the only risk: Landscaping water features also are safety hazards. These include Koi ponds, fountains, waterfalls, or any other contained water.”

Water Safety Checklist:

• Never leave a child alone near a pool or other body of water.
• Actively supervise children at all times.
• Stay within close reach of preschool-age children.
• Provide locked safety barriers for swimming area when not in use.
• Keep climbable objects away from pool barrier.
• Teach children about water safety.
• Learn CPR – use infant CPR until age 1 then child CPR until age 8.
• Be alert when visiting homes with a pool.
• Remove toys from pool after use.
• Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys. They are not designed for safety.
• Always use US Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating

For more safety tips and information on child protection, including information on infant safe sleeping and window fall prevention, downloadable brochures and e-brochures to send to friends, check out the Middlesex Children's Advocacy Center's new websit