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J U L Y , 2 0 1 7
O
N
E
DO
THING
BETTER
an
essential
guide to summer pool safety
By Ben Basch,
&KLHI 'HYHORSPHQW 2IÀFHU
, American Pool Enterprises
Drownings and pool-related injuries are preventable.
What can you do to prevent tragedy?
prevention
Parents, please
pay close attention to
your children.
Always designate
a caregiver who
is not under
the influence
of alcohol to be
responsible for
maintaining
visual contact of
your child.
of drowning
deaths involving
children happen
at pools with
lifeguards present.
2
Maintaining fences
barriers and gates
prevents injury to kids,
pets and the curious
public. Always be sure
that the pool gates
are locked outside of
operating hours.
of non-swimmer drowning
injuries happened in the
shallow end between 2007
and 2013.
3
Children
should only
wear U.S.
Coast
Guard
approved
life vests. Before entering
the pool, ensure that
their life jacket is in good
condition. There should
be no rips, tears, holes or
shrinkage of the buoyant
materials. Ensure that your
child’s life jacket is worn
properly. A life jacket that
is fitted correctly should
feel snug with all straps and
buckles secure, keeping
the child’s chin above the
water, allowing them to
breathe easily.
importance of parental supervision
Parents exert a much stronger
influence over their children than
a facility lifeguard. Watching your
children closely will allow lifeguards
to focus on preventing injuries and
drowning rather than correcting
bad behavior.
If you need to leave
the pool deck for any
reason, bring your child
with you.
Never let a non-swimmer rely on pool
noodles or floaties in the water - a big
pool no-no! These are toys that should
only be used when you are within arms
reach of the child. Drowning is the...
cause of accidental
death for children and
adults ages 5-44.
1
cause of injury death for
ages 1-2...
1
and the
19%
75%
75%
number one
number two
Of all preschool-aged
drownings,
70%
are
in the care of one or
both parents.
75%
are missing from
sight for five minutes
or less.
4
1.Centers forDiseaseControlandPrevention. InjuryPrevention&Control:Protect theOnesYouLove—Child InjuriesarePreventable.2.Lights!Camera!Action!Hollywood’s takeon
drowning isadistortedviewofaquietkiller.Dr.JohnR.Fletemeyer.3.RedwoodsGroup,ShallowWaterDoesNotEqualSafe.4. InfantSwimmingResource,NationalDrowningStatistics.
UNLESS THERE IS AN
ABSOLUTE
EMERGENCY
,
STAY OFF OF YOUR
CELL PHONE OR TABLET.
GIVE YOUR CHILD
YOUR FULL
ATTENTION
WHEN AT THE
SWIMMING POOL.
Talk to your
lifeguards or
pool manager
about breakaway
wristbands. They
allow lifeguards
and patrons alike
to know everyone’s
swimming ability,
and to identify non-
swimmers, giving
them the attention
they need.