Prevent children from drowning in hot tubs and spas
Hot tubs and spas often are an overlooked drowning danger for
children. Drowning can result from unintentional falls into the water, from
hair that becomes tangled in drains or jets, or from body parts becoming
trapped.1
Consider keeping hot tubs and spas off-limits to young children. Talk
to your health professional before allowing children younger than age 5 to use
them.
If you allow children in a hot tub or spa, prevent a drowning
incident by taking proper precautions and talking to your children about
potential hazards. The following recommendations can help protect your children
from an accident or drowning related to hot tubs and spas:
Closely supervise children around a hot tub or
spa.
Do not allow underwater play in a hot tub. Hot tub and spa
jets and drains can suck hair in, trapping a child underwater. Explain to
children that hot tubs and spas are not swimming pools or places for active
play.
Make sure all drains and jets are in good, safe, working
condition. This includes compliance with current safety standards. The strong
suction of some older jets has caused deaths.
Know where the pump
cutoff switch is located so it can be turned off in an
emergency.
Keep a locked safety cover on the hot tub or spa when it
is not in use. If a drain cover is missing or broken, shut down the spa until
the drain cover is repaired or replaced.
Do not allow the water
temperature to exceed
104° (40°) in hot tubs and
spas. Drowning has occurred from extremely hot water, which can cause
drowsiness and unconsciousness. Heatstroke is another danger.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
