PHOENIX, May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- May is National Water Safety Month, and according to experts, water safety has never been more important. Children are out of school, access to swimming lessons is limited, parents are busy working from home during the pandemic and many Americans are spending more time in their backyard pools.

"During the shutdown, a backyard pool provides fun, exercise and a chance to get outdoors, but the combination of parents distracted with work at home and kids with time on their hands could be dangerous," said Leslie's Pool Supplies Vice President of Communications Tracy Dick. "National Water Safety Month is the ideal opportunity to remind people that they need to be extra vigilant around the pool – or any body of water."

Leslie's Pool Supplies, the world's largest pool supply and service company, has partnered with Dr. Tom Griffiths and Rachel Griffiths of the Aquatic Safety Research Group to provide tips on how to stay water safe this season.

1. Designate a "water watcher." That's someone whose sole responsibility is watching the kids in the water without distractions such as cell phones or socializing with others. "This is so important when parents are juggling work responsibilities at home while the kids are out of school. Just being nearby isn't enough – it takes just seconds for a tragedy to occur," said Dr. Griffiths.
   
   
2. Make sure kids know the pool (or any body of water) is strictly off limits without adult supervision. "Kids will push boundaries. They might say, I'll just stand on the top step or go in up to my knees, but then they are all the way in the water, and that's when accidents happen," said Rachel Griffiths.
   
   
3. Employ multiple proactive prevention devices around the pool. "Provide layers of protection, which means several proactive prevention devices or strategies in and around your pool so that if one fails, another will come into play," said Dr. Griffiths. "Those measures can include a fenced enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching gate; pool alarms; safety covers; and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for weak or non-swimmers. Pool toys and floats are not water safety devices."
   
   
4. Be ready to save a life. Have equipment on hand, such as a safety throw rope or lifesaving ring, a cell phone to call for help, life jackets and a first aid kit in case accidents occur. Adults should also learn CPR.
   
   
5. Make sure every family member knows how to swim. "Learning to swim should be a priority for every family, and it's never too early to start," said Dr. Griffiths. "Swimming is an important life skill that plays a key role in preventing drowning."

For more information about water safety, go to www.lesliespool.com.

About Leslie's Pool Supplies
Founded in 1963, Phoenix-based Leslie's Pool Supplies is the world's largest specialty retailer of swimming pool and spa chemicals, pool cleaners, pool equipment, cleaning accessories, water additives, pool toys and floats, and water safety equipment. Leslie's owns and operates more than 925 stores in 36 states and offers free, on-site water testing, expert advice on pool maintenance and free in-store labor on repairs. Leslie's is committed to pool and water safety, and the company gives a portion of its sales of pool safety products to provide swimming lessons in communities where it has locations. Leslie's is a proud sponsor of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House and Banner Health Foundation, as well as local charities and YMCAs. For more information, go to www.lesliespool.com.

About Aquatic Safety Research Group
Aquatic Safety Research Group is dedicated to reducing drowning and injuries at aquatic facilities while enhancing the swimming experience through research and education. ASRG was founded by Dr. Tom Griffiths and is family owned and operated by Rachel Griffiths and Dr. Tom Griffiths, who have more than 50 years of experience in aquatic safety. ASRG provides innovative water safety and risk management programs and services throughout the United States and internationally.

MEDIA CONTACT
Curry Simic, SPM Communications
817-329-3257
curry@spmcommunications.com

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SOURCE Leslie's Poolmart Inc.