Children are naturally attracted to spas and hot tubs. To prevent drowning and other serious injuries, you must keep children away from spas and hot tubs in the absence of adequate supervision. Here are some safety tips that can help save young lives. For more information, write for brochures entitled "Children Aren't Waterproof" and "Layers of Protection" from the National Spa & Pool Institute, 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314.

• Never leave a child alone out of eye contact supervision in or near the spa or hot tub - not even for a second .
• Remove vegetation and other obstacles to assure a clear view of the spa or hot tub from the house.
• Make certain that all doors leading from the house to the spa or hot tub area are kept shut and latched. Make sure any latches or doorknobs are above the reach of toddlers to protect against unauthorized entry and use. Limit access to the spa or hot tub by locking doors or gates whenever soaking cannot be supervised.
• A fence, wall or natural barrier shall completely enclose your spa or hot tub.
• If you use a spa or hot tub cover, carefully read the manufacturer's directions for safe use. Always completely remove the cover before using your spa or hot tub. Drain any standing water from the surface of your spa or hot tub cover (e.g., by using a water pump). Even a small amount of water may be sufficient for an infant or small child to drown. Be especially alert for potential drowning accidents if you use any lightweight, floating spa or hot tub covers. These are not safety covers and no one should walk or crawl on them.
• Do not place objects (e.g., chairs or tables) near the spa or hot tub fence that could allow a youngster to climb over.
• Never use a spa or hot tub if any of the grate outlets are missing or broken to avoid body entrapment.
• Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys, away from in ground spas or hot tubs. A child playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
• Do not allow anyone of any age to soak without a ;spotter" nearby. Examples of good safety behavior by adults are important for young children.
• Do not permit playful screaming for help (false alarms), which might mask a real emergency.
• Never consider young children water-safe despite their swimming skills, previous instruction or experience. Many professionals warn that these lessons made provide a false sense of security to a child's family and not actually prepare a child for surviving a true emergency.

In case of emergency:

1. Dial the local emergency telephone numbers (9-1-1, or the appropriate 10-digit number for the local Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Fire or Police). It is advisable to install a telephone (or use a cordless telephone) in the pool or spa area.
2. Give your:
   • Name.
   • Location.
   • Telephone number you are calling from.
3. Tell what happened and how many people need help.
4. Don't hang up the phone until after the emergency person does.

Adults in the family should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is the combination of rescue breathing and artificial circulation for victims of respiratory or cardiac arrest as a result of drowning, heart attack or other causes. CPR training is available through the local Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Adults should also know how to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and other lifesaving techniques.

Preventing and emergency is the best preparation: Never leave a child alone in or near a pool, spa or any other body of water!

Take special precautions with young children who use spas. Spas are deep enough for children to drown in a matter of minutes. Also, children may become ill from overheating.

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