This summer, learn how vigilant supervision and care around water can help ensure a safe summer for your children.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy summer in the valley is to spend time by the pool. However, it is important to remember that water safety, especially for children, is paramount. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for young children, making awareness and prevention strategies critical. Here are key tips to prevent child pool drownings and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone.
Supervision First
Supervision is the single most important factor in preventing drowning. Always have a designated adult actively watching children when they are in or near the pool. This means staying close, avoiding distractions like phones, television, or conversations, and being ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. Remember, drowning can happen quietly and quickly, so constant vigilance is crucial.
Enforce Pool Rules
Establish and enforce strict pool rules, such as no diving in shallow areas, no running on the pool deck, and no pushing or rough play near the water. Consistent reinforcement of these rules helps create a safe pool environment.
Teach Water Safety
Educate children about water safety from an early age. Teach them to swim as early as possible, and ensure they understand basic water safety rules such as never swimming alone, staying away from drains and filters, and asking for permission before entering the pool area.
Use Pool Barriers and Alarms
Install proper barriers around the pool area, such as fences with self-closing and self-latching gates. Ensure that the barriers are at least four feet high and have no gaps or openings that a child could slip through. Consider adding pool alarms that can alert you to unauthorized access, unusual water level increase, or activity in the pool.
Remove Temptations
Keep toys, pool noodles, and other attractive items away from the pool when not in use. These can tempt children to reach for them and accidentally fall into the water. Clear the pool deck of obstacles that could cause trips or falls.
Learn CPR and First Aid
Knowledge of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and basic first aid can be lifesaving in emergencies. Take a certified CPR course to learn how to respond effectively to drowning incidents until professional help arrives. The Red Cross and other organizations offer weekly classes on CPR and basic first aid. The Desert Ridge Community Association also periodically arranges these classes for the community, so keep an eye out for those as well.
Proper Maintenance
Maintain proper pool cleanliness by regularly checking and cleaning filters, skimmers, and drains to prevent accidents and ensure water quality. It is also important to`s, which reduces the risk of germ transmission. If the chemical levels are too high, it can also be harmful to skin and eyes. To avoid pool chemical accidents, ensure that all pool chemicals are stored securely and out of reach of children.
Summer Safety is Important for Pets Too
The same tips being shared here also apply to our pets. Pets are curious and can easily fall into the pool, leading to accidents. It is estimated that 5,000 pets drown in backyard swimming pools each year. Teach your pets how to exit the pool safely or invest in pet-friendly pool ramps or stairs.
Surface Temperatures
Asphalt, concrete, and pavers pose risks to bare feet and paws as well. When the temperature hits 100 degrees outside, these surfaces can heat up to 150-165 degrees. If it is 110 degrees or higher, that can add an extra 15-20 degrees, leading to severe burns in a short amount of time. When it comes to walking your pet, be mindful that pet may not effectively communicate that the walking surface is too hot.
By following these essential tips and staying vigilant, parents, pet owners, and caregivers can significantly reduce the risk of pool drownings, helping to create a safer environment for summer fun. Remember, a few proactive measures can make all the difference in keeping our children, and pets, safe.
Steve Burns
Chair
Community Awareness
