Swimming Pool Safety Alert - Drowning is a silent killer that can strike even older, more experienced child swimmers
May 15, 2008
Houston-area swimming pool accidents that occurred in the past two weeks prompt HFD to issue this safety message that cannot be heard too often.
Among unintentional injuries , drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second cause of death for children ages 14 and under. National statistics reveal that about 260 children under five drown annually in swimming pools.
Active, focused, adult supervision is the most important safety measure to prevent a water-related tragedy to a child.
Use Layers of Protection
To prevent swimming pool drownings, layers of protection are essential. Place barriers completely around the pool, closely supervise young children, and be prepared in case of emergency.
Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Enroll children in swimming lessons with a certified instructor. Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access. Fences and walls should be at least four-feet high and installed completely around the pool. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.
If a house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area, to prevent access by young children. For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
References: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) http://www.cpsc.gov ; SafeKids: http://www.usa.safekids.org ; this information provides limited water-related safety precautions and should not be considered all-inclusive. For more safety information go to Houston Fire Department website http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/ .
