Child drownings are devastating and preventable–drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages one to 14.
Things like pool fence laws have helped lower the numbers since the 1970s. While there are no federal pool fence laws in place in the US, several states, including New York, Florida, California, and Arizona, have their own individual ones. Some municipalities have their own laws, as well, and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act governs public pools. (Side note: you can petition for stricter pool safety. Read about it at the Pool Safety Council.)
But even if every pool had a fence, child drownings would not stop. These are a few safety tips to follow:
- Adults need to be present and paying attention when young children are in the pool, bathtub, or playing around water. Put down the iPhone, don’t mow the lawn, set aside the margarita and watch closely. Alcohol in particular impairs your ability to effectively monitor kids.
- Get your kids in swimming lessons early. Some places even offer “mommy-and-me” classes for infants. But be aware that the American Academy of Pediatrics says that swimming classes should not be considered drowning prevention for children younger than four.
- Get a barrier around your pool and teach your children to respect that boundary. Never prop the door open.
- Keep a life jacket on your child while he or she is in the pool. “Noodles,” “water wings,” rafts, inner tubes and the like are not sufficient.
- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). You might save a child’s life in the time it takes emergency responders to arrive.
