Even a small amount of water (like a bathtub, bucket, wading pool, or puddle) can pose a drowning risk. Drowning can happen in seconds without loud splashing. The first line of defense is close supervision.

Adults should actively watch children in and near any water. It is helpful when around water to assign a “water watcher”. This means adults can take turns, and whoever is the “water watcher” pays full attention to the children with no distractions. Distractions are things such as phones, talking, or other tasks that should be avoided.

You can also be prepared by learning water rescue skills and CPR so you can respond quickly and safely.

Swimming Lessons

Enroll children in swimming lessons when they’re ready. Swimming lessons can help teach water survival skills, such as floating, turning around, and exiting the water safely.

Kittitas Valley Memorial Pool offers swimming lessons for children year-round.

Lesson 1 sessions are free thanks to Kittitas Valley Healthcare’s (KVH) Swim Safety Program. In-person registration is required for the free program.

Memorial Pool & Fitness Center

Life Jackets

Most accidents happen suddenly, leaving no time to put on a life jacket.

Lifejackets should always be U.S. Coast Guard–approved. They need to fit properly, be the right type for the activity, and be in good condition. Washington State law requires children under age 13 to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on boats or vessels less than 19 feet long.

Talk to kids about the difference between swimming in a pool versus open water. It's best to know your swimming area, i.e., open lakes or oceans, rivers, or ponds. Each area can have different hazards to be aware of.

• When to wear a life jacket
• Life Jacket Loaner Station Locations - Washington State
• Life Jacket Loaner Map - United States

Additional Resources

• Top Tips for Swimming Safety
• Top Tips for Boating Safety
• Top Tips for Water Safety at Home
• Red Cross Water Safety for Kids

It’s important to help keep your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Using car seats appropriately helps keep children safe. The right car seat depends on the age and size of your child.

Washington State law requires the correct car seat for your child’s age and size:

• Under age 2 years: use a rear-facing car seat.
• Ages 2-4 years: ride in a car seat with a 5-point harness.
• Ages 4 years and up: use a car seat or booster until 4’9” tall.
• Over 4’9” tall: use a seat belt (usually ages 8-12).
• Up to age 13: ride in the back seat when possible.

Car Seat Installation

The Ellensburg Police Department helps install car seats or check them for safety.

Call them at (509) 962-7280 or contact them using this form.

Additional Resources

• Car Seat Safety Tips
• Booster Seat Safety Tips
• Washington State Child Passenger Safety Program
• National Highway Traffic Safety – Car Seat Finder

Teen and new drivers have less experience driving. They are at a much higher risk of serious crashes. They may take more risks like speeding, getting distracted, or not wearing seatbelts.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws help keep teens safer. GDL laws give teens more driving privileges as they gain experience.

Parents can help by practicing safe driving habits. Including not using their cell phone while driving. Parents can also set clear rules, supervise driving, and enforce seatbelt use.

Washington state law has certain rules for teens with an intermediate license. The rules cover topics like:

• Late night driving.
• Number of passengers.
• Use of wireless devices.

Breaking the specific rules can lead to warnings or even a license suspension.

Additional Resources

• WA State Department of Licensing (DOL)
• WA State DOL Driver's License Application: Ages 16 to 17
• Governors Highway Safety Association
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to protect your head. A helmet can greatly lower the chance of serious brain injury. Whether you’re biking or riding an ATV, wearing the right helmet, the right way, can save your life.

Helmet Safety (bike, skateboard, scooter, sledding, horseback riding, etc.)

• Should fit snug, sit level on the head, and the strap should form a “V” under the ears.
• Replace helmets that are cracked, were in a crash, or are more than 5 years old.
• Bright colors and reflective stickers help you stay visible.
• Kids and adults should wear a helmet every time, even for short times.

ATV, ORVs, Snowmobiles, or other Wheeled Vehicles Helmet Safety

• Always use helmets, eye protection, and cover your skin as much as possible with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves, and boots.
• Powerful machines require proper precautions be taken every time they are used.
• Never let kids ride adult-sized machines.
• Always follow passenger limit recommendations.
• Use only in safe, clear, designated areas.

Additional Resources

• Top Safety Tips for Bike Safety
• Top Safety Tips for Skating/Skateboarding
• All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Helmet Size Chart
• Cleveland Clinic

Fires can happen quickly and are very dangerous, especially for children. Most home fires start in the kitchen, but they can also begin with candles, heaters, matches, lighters, or electrical problems.

Fire Safety Tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test them every month and change batteries once a month.
• Make a home fire escape plan with at least two ways out of every room.
  • Practice the plan, so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
• Teach kids “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if their clothes are on fire, also to get low and go under the smoke to escape.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles, and flammable liquids out of children's reach.
• Never leave cooking or heaters unattended.
• Never go back into a burning building for people or pets.
• Get out and call 911 right away.

Additional Resources

• Fire Safety Checklist
• Top Tips for Fire Safety
• Home Fire Escape Plan
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Poison is any substance that can cause harm. It becomes harmful when the wrong person uses it, the wrong amount is taken, or it is used the wrong way.

Poisoning can cause symptoms such as vomiting, trouble breathing, or unconsciousness. This can happen when someone swallows a substance, breathes it in, gets it on their skin, or gets it in their eyes.

Common Poisons Include:

• Medicines.
• Makeup or cosmetics.
• Household cleaners.
• Plants.
• Chemicals.
• Venom from poisonous animals.
• Even things like spoiled food

Never pour unsafe substances into unlabeled bottles. And do not leave them where children can easily reach.

Get help right away if you think a child has been exposed to something poisonous. Call or text the Poison Help hotline to reach your local poison center.

Poison Help Hotline:

Call: 1-800-222-1222

Text: 206-526-2121

Immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance on the phone.

If the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you.

Additional Resources

• American Association of Poison Control Centers
• Washington Poison Center