This checklist helps families plan safe vacations that are in and around water features such as pools, lakes, oceans and waterparks. Learn what to do and be aware of at a hotel pool or at a rental property with a pool. Know what to ask when booking reservations, how to prepare, what to pack, and what precautions to take upon arrival. We also provide a list of best practices for a water safe vacation. Keep scrolling for more free downloads to help with your water vacation.

Download Vacation Water Safety Checklist

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Water Safety is all about Layers of Protection

Download this Free Water Watcher Tag

One of the best ways to improve water safety is to have a responsible adult vigilantly watching kids who are at play in or near any water features such as a pool, waterpark, or open water. Using a Water Watcher tag system helps keep track of who is responsible at any given moment for watching people in and around water.

Download Water Watcher Tag & Instructions

Re-fresh Your Water Safety Skills

Water safety advocates developed the concept of Layers of Protection because no one single protective measure keeps your family safe. Instead, it's the layering of multiple protections that helps keep people safe in, on and around water. Watch this video from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to learn about the 5 layers of protection that help keep loved ones safe. ​Keep scrolling for downloadable water safety tools.

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Regardless of age or swimming ability, lifejackets should always be worn when boating. An accidental fall into cold water triggers a gasp breath during which even experienced swimmers can intake water. When adults wear lifejackets, they reinforce and model safe behavior for children. This video explains how to properly fit lifejackets  for proper buoyancy and comfort.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 5-14. Teens and young adults drown mostly in open water such as lakes, rivers and oceans. 80% of these victims are male. Learn more about open water safety for teens from this infographic by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.

download the Ndpa infographic for teens

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Are You Going to a Home That has a Pool?

Home Pool Safety Checklist

Children who have access to water are at most risk. Does your pool have safety barriers? Is proper rescue equipment available, and do you know how to safely use it? Do you have an emergency action plan specific to your property? Use this checklist to help make your pool as safe as possible. You can also book a Home Pool Safety Assessment.

Download Home Pool Safety Checklist

Pool Barrier Checklist

​The CDC has determined that in addition to vigilant supervision, pool barriers are the best way to prevent unsupervised access to water. Use this checklist to routinely check that pool fences and gates, including latches and hinges, are in good working order. This simple routine done regularly could help save the life of a child.  

download pool barrier checklist

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Be prepared for an emergency by posting a sign with your address. Don't assume that a guest calling 911 will remember your address. Include a script so caller can direct EMT to the property and pool. Edit document, laminate and post at pool.

download emergency sign template

Communicating pool rules helps stop risky behavior that can lead to accidents, injuries and drowning incidents. These universal pool rules apply to every home pool. Print, laminate and post near the pool.

download pool rules pdf