Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a closed lid on a water cooler containing potable water, and for labeling the water cooler, the apparatus comprising a safety seal tape and a safety tag. An outer side of the safety seal tape is imprinted with repeating indicia indicating that the lid is not to be removed from the cooler. An outer side of the safety tag is imprinted with indicia indicating that the cooler contains potable water. Inner sides of the tape and tag have a pressure sensitive adhesive which is capable of removably bonding the tape and tag to the water cooler. The tape is wrapped around the closed lid to secure the lid on the cooler, and the tag is adhered to the cooler, the tape and tag together providing notice that the cooler contains potable water and that the lid is not to be removed. The safety tag can be provided with various features which can be incorporated into a record keeping system for verifying compliance with applicable regulations.