Protect Your Aberdeen, ID Child Safe From Drowning

Keep Swimming Fun and Safe For Your Kids

by Chris Rostad

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. in children under 5 years of age. It only takes seconds for a child to drown once they enter the water, in the time it takes you to read this sentence a young child may have lost his life to drowning. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that each year, nationwide, more than 300 children under the age of 5 years old drown in residential swimming pools, usually owned by their families. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that same age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injuries. Young children are naturally curious about the water, but more often than not do not understand the dangers involved. Swim lessons are a good way to help teach young children, not only how to swim but also to respect the water. Don't believe that if your child knows how to swim that they are immune to the danger of drowning. While it may seem like scare tactics, officials think that certain statistics may get people to realize the potential dangers of residential swimming pools. This in turn can save numerous children from drowning. Of all the deaths resulting from drowning in California, Arizona, and Florida 75% of the victims are between 1 and 3 years of age. Looking at the total number of deaths of children under 5 years of age 46% of these were last seen in the house, 23% were last seen in the yard or patio area, 31% were in or around the pool area before the accident and most of the victims were being supervised by one or both parents. In all, 69% of the children were not expected to be at or in the pool, yet they were found in the water. Drowning is a silent killer; usually there is no splashing or screaming to alert someone that a child is in trouble. There are precautions that can be used to help prevent tragedy. A pool safety cover is one option, but be sure that it meets the requirements of ASTM standards. What you must remember though, is when the cover is removed, so is the safety the cover provides. Also, improperly maintained pool covers can be just as hazardous as the pool itself. Water can collect on them, and if it is not removed, a child can actually drown on top of a cover. It takes as little as 2 inches of water for a child to drown. The best way to prevent accidental drowning is to isolate the pool from its surroundings with a fence. The CPSC recommends that the fence should be four-sided, and not to use the house as one of the sides. They recommend the fence be at least 4 feet high and have an outward opening gate that is self-closing and self-latching. The gate should never be propped open for any reason. Along with creating a safety zone around your pool, you must also learn and live by some other pool safety rules. These include, but are not limited to: never leave a child or toddler unsupervised; constant supervision is a must when you have a swimming pool or Jacuzzi; if a child becomes missing, waste no time in checking the pool first; if a child is in the water time is critical and seconds count. Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment very near the pool and easily accessible. It is also a good idea to keep toys out of and away from the pool when not in use, as they can attract young children to the pool. Having a swimming pool in your backyard can be very enjoyable, but you need to remember that it is also a potential hazard. Be respectful of the dangers and never allow this respect to lapse. Your Aberdeen, ID child's life may depend on it.