Pool Safety Tips To Keep Your Children Safe

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Monday, May 14th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Pool Safety Tips Keep Everyone’s Head Above Water

Around where I live the public pools officially open on Memorial Day. But already there have been several reports of children and youth drowning this year. One tragedy occurred at a private party at an indoor pool/waterpark. A young girl was in trouble and lifeguards raced to save her. While all were occupied with her rescue, her younger brother drowned on the other side of the pool. Yet another tragedy happened at a home pool. Mom, Dad and kids drove a long way to visit Grandma, who has a backyard pool. Exhausted parents and kids were crashed in bed. Grandma went out for an errand while folks slept - but apparently left the back door unlocked, never thinking that the toddler might wake up and slip out the door while everyone else was still sleeping…. Another child dead in a needless pool accident.

”A supervised child is in sight at all times with your undivided attention focused on the child [emphasis added]. When there are children in or near the water, adults should take turns serving as the designated ‘water watcher’ paying undivided attention.”

Parents and grandparents, you must watch your kids every second around water. All the floatation devices, pool alarms and fences in the world will not work unless you are constantly vigilant. Note that the pool party accident occured while lifeguards were on duty. It was distraction that contributed to the boy’s death. Drowning is the second leading cause of death among kids age 14 or younger. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s a great article listing important pool safety tips, courtesy of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Safe Kids Georgia. Please take heed for a safer summer.