Wow, can you believe spring break is only a few weeks away. For some it will mean traveling on vacation, or perhaps arriving houseguests, such as the in-laws or the newly popular, stay-cation. No matter how you decide to spend spring break, chances are your time might be spent with your children or watching others children around a pool. To keep this peaceful oasis from becoming a nightmare, lets review some safety tips.
- Swimming pools are the most common site for drownings among children between the ages 1-4 years.
- Approximately 72% of pool submersion deaths and 55% of pool submersion injuries occur at a home.
- 84% of drowning deaths among children ages 5 and under occur at a home, while 45% of fatalities among children ages 5-14 occur at a public pool.
- According to a national study of drowning-related incidents involving children, a parent or caregiver claimed to be supervising the child.
- 66% of drowning deaths occur in the summer, between May and August, and most commonly on the weekends.
- The majority of infant (less than 1 year old) drowning deaths happen in bathtubs or large buckets.
Proven Interventions:
- NEVER leave children unattended in or around the pool. Stay focused on their activities, rather than focusing on your ipad, talking on the phone or lounging with your eyes closed.
- Four-sided isolation fencing around home pools could prevent 50-90% of childhood drownings and near-drownings. When used properly, door alarms, pool alarms and automatic pool covers add an extra layer of protection.
- The use of specially-made drain covers, safety vacuum-release systems, multiple filter pumps and other pressure-venting pool filter mechanisms can reduce the risk of entrapment.
- From the start, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present.
- Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4, typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.
- Learn CPR and know how to respond in water emergencies.
Horizon Pool and Patio are the pool care experts. They can help you determine the best solution for your pool and help you finance your project. They are family owned and operated. Since 1985, they have been serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Acreage, Loxahatchee and many of the other communities in Palm Beach County.
Horizon Pool and Patio provide both residential and commercial pool and spa service, equipment repairs, retail supplies and equipment, along with full pool renovations and remodeling. For more information on Horizon Pool & Patio, visit them at newhp.wpengine.com or call (561) 790-0665. You can always visit their Wellington store located in the Wellington Plaza next to Ultima Fitness at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard.
