July2017

an essential guide to summer pool safety By Ben Basch, &KLHI 'HYHORSPHQW 2IÀFHU , American Pool Enterprises

O N E DO THING BETTER 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.

prevention

Drownings and pool-related injuries are preventable. What can you do to prevent tragedy?

of drowning deaths involving children happen at pools with lifeguards present. 2 19%

Always designate a caregiver who

is not under the influence

of alcohol to be responsible for maintaining visual contact of your child.

Parents, please pay close attention to your children.

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...

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

75% 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.

number one

Children should only wear U.S.

cause of injury death for ages 1-2... 1 and the

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.

Talk to your lifeguards or pool manager

number two

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.

cause of accidental death for children and adults ages 5-44. 1

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.

75%

of non-swimmer drowning injuries happened in the shallow end between 2007 and 2013. 3

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.

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