Too often we hear people say, “it was just for a minute.” Unfortunately, a child can drown in the time it takes to answer a telephone; thus, a minute is all it takes.
Some children drown in their own backyard swimming pools, others drown in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, pet watering bowls, canals, and ponds. Small children are top-heavy and don’t have the upper body strength to lift themselves out of these dangerous situations. Even if the child survives the incident, they are often left with permanent injuries.
The ABCs of Pool Safety
A – Adult Supervision
Never take your eyes off children in or near water. Assign a responsible adult to actively supervise and stay within arm’s reach. Talking on the phone, reading, or caring for another child takes your focus away. Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent.
B – Barriers
Install multiple layers of protection. This includes four-sided isolation fencing with self-latching gates, pool covers, door alarms, and nets. Keep toys out of the pool to avoid temptation, and move furniture away from fences so children cannot climb over.
C – Classes
Enroll children and adults in swim lessons and CPR/first aid training. Being trained can mean the difference between life and death while waiting for emergency help to arrive. Educate children on pool rules and safe behavior around water.
For more information you can visit www.poolsafely.gov.
