Georgetown Parks & Recreation

Water Safety Month: Water Watchers

Water Watchers are responsible adults who agree to watch kids in the water without any distractions. It takes all of us to make sure that children are always supervised and safe while in the water.

As a Water Watcher, you should:

  • Never leave the children unattended
  • Regularly scan the bottom of the pool
  • Avoid poolside chats and looking at your phone
  • Keep a phone nearby for emergencies and know the address of the pool you’re guarding
  • Call 911 and administer CPR if necessary
  • Locate and learn to use all pool safety equipment

This week, we’re focusing on the importance of water guardians, responsible adults who agree to watch kids in the water without distractions. This idea was formed by our Water Safety Month partner, Colin’s Hope.

Colin’s Hope was formed in 2008 after four-year-old Colin Holst tragically drowned in a public pool, with lifeguards on duty and family members present. Their mission is to provide water safety awareness, education and resources to prevent children from drowning.


Activities

Become an official Colin’s Hope Water Guardian. Take the Water Safety Quiz to test your water safety knowledge. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Water Guardian certificate.

BONUS! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram (@GTXParksAndRec) or email us a photo of your certificate to melissa.pecorino@georgetown.org for a chance to win $20 off a summer pool pass. We’ll select 5 winners! (Submission deadline June 1. Only one discount per household.)

Take the Water Safety Quiz

 


Resources

Water Safety Games
Download these water safety activities from Colin’s Hope to play with your family, students, and more! Great for teachers, baby sitters, parents and caregivers.

Water Safety Tips
Drowning is fast and silent. No-one is drownproof, but drowning is preventable. Please view these Water Safety Tips from Colin’s Hope to help keep you and your family safer around water throughout the year.

Virtual Family Activities
Colin’s Hope is bringing fun and interactive learning experiences to you and your family! Gather children of all ages (even teens!) and learn about water safety in new ways.