As MEA weekend is a popular time for a short get-away, families may spend time near the pool in a hotel. As such, the Plymouth Police and Fire departments encourage residents to practice water safety.

The following are informational tips and reminders for parents and guardians:

• Identify pool rescue tools before children enter the pool. Look for a shepherd’s hook and ring buoys on the pool deck.
• Children must be supervised at all times while they’re in the water. Drowning is silent and is often not accompanied by splashing and yelling.
• Parents must avoid distractions, such as cell phones and conversation.
• Drowning and serious brain injuries happen quickly – often in a matter of minutes. In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• Educate the family about safety and water rescue. Watch brief water safety videos.
• Children should swim with a buddy.
• Weak swimmers should wear a coast guard-approved life jacket. Do not rely on water wings or other flotation devices.
• Swimmers should never play with pool drains.