As the weather gets warmer, many of our thoughts (or at least our children’s thoughts) turn to spending some time by the pool this summer. Pools can be a lot of fun, but, of course, are a big responsibility. Whether you own a pool. Or just visit one from time to time, there are a lot of things to consider, when it comes to safe practices, and many of us forget how dangerous swimming pools are. In many areas, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the home of children under 5 years old.
Each year, nationwide, more than 300 children under 5 years old drown in residential swimming pools, usually a pool owned by their family. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injures. In researching this article, I came across the following facts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The facts are taken from states where swimming pools are commonplace (mostly Arizona, California, and Florida), but I find it hard to believe our habits are much different:
• 75% of the submersion victims studied by CPSC were between 1 and 3 years old; 65 percent of this group were boys. Toddlers, in particular, often do something unexpected because their capabilities change daily.
• At the time of the incidents, most victims were being supervised by one or both parents. 46% of the victims were last seen in the house; 23% were last seen in the yard or on the porch or patio; and 31% were in or around the pool before the accident. In all, 69% of the children were not expected to be at or in the pool, yet they were found in the water.
• Pool submersions involving children happen quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone. 77% of the victims had been missing from sight for 5 minutes or less.
• Survival depends on rescuing the child quickly and restarting the breathing process, even while the child is still in the water. Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage.
• Child drowning is a silent death. There's no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble. Not a substitute for supervision, but an important part of having a pool, is the barrier that goes around it. Even if your children “know better” than to go into the un-gated pool, other children may not. Aside from a potential tragedy, there is enormous liability risk.
While having a fence or a gate does not make the area childproof, it does provide a layer of protection for a child that strays from supervision, giving caregivers additional time to locate a child. Another idea would be to include door alarms for the house, and a power safety cover for your pool or spa. In addition to door alarms for the house doors, there are also pool alarms. If the water level changes and the alarm has not been deactivated (ie, someone falls in, causing little waves), an alarm sounds. Often, these alarms can also be connected through your home alarm system, to automatically contact authorities, similar to your burglar or fire alarm. Fences and gates should be at least four feet high, and be without footholds or handholds that would assist a child in climbing over it. Slats should be less than 4 inches apart, so that small children are unable t squeeze through. Gates should be self closing, and the latch should be unreachable to little hands. For those that have an above ground pool, steps and ladders should be removed and secured (locked away), to prevent access. Remember, though, that kids are resourceful, and may find another way. Again, this is not an acceptable substitute for supervision.
We all have “rules” for our pools. Clever signs are marketed, that usually contain generic statements about the speed at which one should move around the pool, and the acceptable amount of urine that may be left in the pool, and the tolerable volume level for pool users. I submit, for your consideration, some additional rules more focused on safety than convenience:
• If you have babysitters, discuss potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of protective devices, such as door alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constant supervision.
• Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.
• Do not allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
• Do not consider young children to be immune to drowning, just because they have had swimming lessons. Children must be watched closely while swimming.
• Flotation devices should not be used as a substitute for supervision.
• Learn CPR. Babysitters and other caretakers, such as grandparents and older siblings, should also know CPR. A“certification card” is good, but general knowledge (refreshed regularly) is imperative. Rescue personnel don’t have much of a chance when they arrive, if no efforts have been made in the meantime.
• Keep rescue equipment by the pool, and check it each season to make sure it is not damaged. Be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby. If it’s a cordless phone, make sure it is charged, and ready for use. Remember, seconds count.
• Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
• Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier. Enjoy the pool, but let's be safe out there!
Curt Newport is a Professional Trainer, and the owner/operator of Newport Enterprises, LLC. Based in Northern Virginia, Newport Enterprises has clients from Florida to Pennsylvania, and teaches classes which range from Food Safety management and Alcohol Awareness to CPR and First Aid. Curt has been a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician since 1998, and is on the team of instructors at the Loudoun County (VA) Fire Rescue Training Center. Curt also regularly blogs timely safety tips and advice at http://www.newport-enterprises.com/blog.
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