Pool Safely Day 2012 Promotes Water Safety for All

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is promoting water safety for people of all ages through their Pool Safely program. This week aquatic facilities across the country will be hosting activities such as free swimming lessons, distributing safety materials, and CPR training as part of Pool Safely Day.

The CPSC is making a large push with the Pool Safely program after information about drownings that have occurred since Memorial Day of this year. Ninety children under the age of 15 have drowned in swimming pools in that time frame.  Media outlets nationwide reported an additional 106 children in that age bracket needed emergency response for near-drowning incidents. The most at-risk group is toddlers because nearly three-quarters of those drowned were under age five. It is important for parents to learn pool safety guidelines to help prevent their children drowning.

The following are a few key pool safety tips:

• Teach children or young visitors they should never go near the water if an adult is not nearby
• It is important to know CPR and how to properly and quickly respond to any emergency in the pool, spa or hot tub
• Do not allow children to run or play at the edge of the pool
• Do not allow the use of glass dishware or bottles near the pool to prevent injuries
• Restrict consumption of alcohol around the pool, especially for adults who are supervising children
• Make sure children are aware of the pool safety rules and that any child that swims in the pool knows how to properly swim
• Use a property-sized pool cover when the pool is unoccupied for protection from possible accidental drawings
• Use proper handrails and ladders to ensure a safe exit from the pool

The Pool Safely campaign began in 2010 to increase awareness about pool and spa safety. This year’s focus is on those who are most at risk for drowning: children under age five, and Hispanic and African American children who drown at higher rates than white children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If your child has been injured in a pool related accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact Burnetti. P.A.’s Florida personal injury lawyers at 1-888-BURNETTI.