What
is a Water Watcher safety tag? The
Water Watcher safety tag's main purpose is to clearly indicate
WHO is responsible for watching the children in the pool. This plastic tag is for the supervising adult to wear around
his/her neck confirming that he/she is the one responsible for watching
the children in the pool to keep them safe. It clearly designates
who is responsible for watching the pool so there is no chance
that Dad thinks Mom is watching and vice versa. The tag reads:
"I accept responsiblity for watching children in or near the water. I will not leave the
pool area without a replacement." The reverse side of
the tag has advice on how to monitor and keep the pool area safe. Kids Drown Without a Sound...Supervise With Your Eyes!
Why designate a Water Watcher? Even though millions of people
enjoy their pools in complete safety each year, it is important
to stress water safety and that there is no substitute for
adult supervision! The concept for the tag was originally
developed by the Children's Hospital of Orange County, California
as part of their overall drowning prevention program in 1993.
After extensive research, the Children's Hospital of Orange County
(CHOC) discovered that a major factor in immersion incidents
was the lapse in child supervision.
Who is a Water Watcher? You are if you are in or around water
with children. The Water Watcher tag concept is already succesful
in California. The year after its introduction, immersion incidents
decreased by fifty percent. Pool Safety is simple, it does not
require expensive equpiment - just knowledge and a plan that every
family member can follow. Education works. For more pool safety
information, call (682) 885-4162.