Taking adip into a cool, tranquil swimming pool can be a relaxing way to beat the summer heat. But along with the fun comes responsibility for pool patrons, especially those with young children.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 800 children age 14 and younger drowned in 2002. More than half of the deaths of those 4 and younger were pool-related. The following year, 4,200 children received emergency medical treatment for accidental drowning-related incidents.
State Del. Bill Bronrott, D-Bethesda, kicked off an awareness campaign Thursday at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase to increase public awareness of pool safety. The Together Improving Pool Safety (or TIPS) campaign encourages greater personal and parental responsibility at pools.
“We have become too lax,” Bronrott said. “We are not taking the extra steps to protect our children in a setting where danger lurks.”
Parents also are reminded that drowning is silent. In less than 30 seconds, a child could slip under the water without so much as a splash or cry for help.
Installing isolation fences around pools, complete with self-closing gates and an alarm, will help keep children from wandering into pools without supervision.
Pool safety tips for parents
» Never leave a child unattended, even for a second.
» Make sure children take breaks from the pool.
» Do not let children play near drains.
» Stay away from diving into unknown water depths.
» Do not swim during thunderstorms.
» Use life jackets for young children.
» Always keep pool areas locked when not in use.
Source: TIPS campaign
