Pool Safety this Summer

Many of us are trying to get a break from the heat by diving into the local lakes and swimming pools. Unfortunately, we see an increase in child drowning incidents during this time of year. Each year, more than 830 children, ages 14 and under, die as a result of unintentional drowning in the U.S.

Tips for water safety this summer:

• Always supervise children in and around water. Never allow them to be near water alone.
• Children should not be expected to supervise each other around water. Parents should be present at all times.
• Teach young children how to swim.
• Inflatable toys, like water wings, cannot be relied upon to keep children afloat. Use an appropriate fitting life jacket.
• Install four-sided isolation fencing at least 5 feet high, equipped with self closing and self-latching gates, around home swimming pools.
• Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers by the pool or swimming area.

Source : Safe Kids Austin - a community coalition for child safety led by Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin,TX.