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A DROWNING HAPPENS IN SECONDS
POOL SAFETY
Here are some statistics:
· A child drowns in less than two minutes. There is no warning, such as
screams or splashing.
· Drowning is the leading cause of death, disability and injury for
children under 5 years of age in California, and the second leading killer
of youngsters nationwide.
· 50% to 90% of all drownings in the toddler age group occur in
residential swimming pools.
· The risk of a drowning or near drowning is highest during the first six
months a family has a pool.
Myth: A fence around my property makes my pool safe……….
WRONG
Fact: Although a fence separating the pool/spa from the residence
(isolation fencing) is the single most effective barrier for preventing
childhood drowning, no one method by itself is totally effective in
preventing a childhood drowning. Pool owners should consider options such
as isolation fencing, alarms, and securable pool covers, but should never
consider these options as a substitute for constant supervision of
children around any body of water.
DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE
1. There is no substitute for adequate supervision
2. Pools and spas are attractive to children, and children must be kept
away from them in the absence of adequate supervision. A 5-foot
non-climbable fence should completely enclose your pool or spa. All doors
and windows leading to the pool should be securely latched at all times.
All gates or doors leading from the house to the pool area should have a
self-closing and self-latching mechanism that protects against
unauthorized entry and use. (The inside latch should be above the reach of
toddlers or young children).
3. Check with your state or local government to learn their specific legal
requirements concerning fencing around pools and spas. You cannot be too
cautious. If your pool, spa or hot tub is indoors, lock the door to the
room or have a cover that locks, to keep out children and other
unauthorized users.
4. Make sure chairs, tables, tree-branches, trashcans, etc., which
children could use to climb over fences, have been removed from the area.
5. A clear view of the pool or spa from the house should be assured by
removing vegetation and other obstacles.
6. If you use a pool or spa cover, carefully read and follow the
manufacturer's directions for safe installation, use and maintenance.
Always completely remove the cover before using your pool or spa, to avoid
the possibility of anyone-especially a small child-being trapped and
drowning under the cover.
7. Drain any standing water from the surface of your pool or spa cover. An
infant or small child can drown in even the smallest amount of water.
8. If you use any of the lightweight, floating pool or spa covers, be
especially alert for the potential for drowning incidents. These covers
are not for safety, and no one should ever crawl or walk on them.
Strategies for Prevention:
1. Never leave a child alone in or near the pool or spa - even for a
second. During large gatherings, where there are a number of distractions
and hazards, make particularly sure that children who are swimming or who
are near a pool are watched constantly by a trained adult.
2. Access to the pool or spa should be limited by locked doors and gate
whenever swimming or soaking cannot be supervised.
3. Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys, away from the pool or
spa. A child playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
4. Do not allow anyone of any age to swim without a 'spotter' nearby.
5. Learn CPR!
6. Have poolside phones and rescue equipment, such as a long-handled hook
and a ring buoy with a rope.
7. Keep toys away from pools and spas. Toddlers will try to get toys out
of the pool.
8. All non-swimmers should wear approved personal floating devices when
they are near water.
9. Swimming lessons do not insure safety. About 25% of all young drowning
victims have had swimming lessons. A child who falls into water
unexpectedly will panic and forget his/her swimming skills.
For further information contact the Sacramento
Metropolitan Fire District, Community Services Division at (916) 566-4000.
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