PORTABLE POOLS CLAIM OVER 200 CHILDREN'S LIVES
Portable or inflatable pools have become increasingly popular for home
use due to their small size and low price tag. Parents, however, need to
be aware that deaths and serious injuries have resulted from children
becoming submersed underwater in these pools in the U.S. The study,
"Pediatric Submersion Events in Portable Above-Ground Pools in the
United States, 2001-2009," in the July 2011 issue of Pediatrics
(published online June 20), tracked 209 fatal and 35 nonfatal submersion
cases reported from 2001 through 2009. Ninety-four percent involved
children younger than 5 years old, 56 percent were male, and 73 percent
took place in the child's own yard, usually during the summer months.
This is the first study to describe the epidemiology of pediatric
submersion incidents associated with portable, above-ground pools. The
study authors point out that no single strategy will prevent all deaths
and injuries, so layers of protection are recommended. It is suggested
that industry develop affordable and effective products for portable
pools to decrease the risk of drowning, including isolation fencing,
safety covers, and pool alarms. Parents are advised to closely supervise
their children and know CPR.
Thanks to the Injury Prevention Center with Arkansas Children's Hospital for providing the tips for staying safe.
The Layers of Protection with Water Safety:
* Swimming lessons are recommended for children, but lessons do not make
a child drown-proof. Children can drown in just a few inches of water.
* Children swimming need to be supervised by adults at all times.
Children under the age of 5 should be in arm's reach of an adult.
* At least one adult should be designated as a "Water Watcher." A "Water
Watcher" is an adult who watches the water at all times, is not
distracted by a cell phone or book, etc., knows how to swim, is sober,
and knows CPR.
* Caregivers should learn CPR. Contact the Red Cross for classes.
* Pools should be gated off to prevent unsupervised access. Or, drain
and store the pool upside down when not in use.
* Swimming lessons are recommended for children, but lessons do not make
a child drown-proof. Children can drown in just a few inches of water.
* Children swimming need to be supervised by adults at all times.
Children under the age of 5 should be in arm's reach of an adult.
* At least one adult should be designated as a "Water Watcher." A "Water
Watcher" is an adult who watches the water at all times, is not
distracted by a cell phone or book, etc., knows how to swim, is sober,
and knows CPR.
* Caregivers should learn CPR. Contact the Red Cross for classes.
* Pools should be gated off to prevent unsupervised access. Or, drain
and store the pool upside down when not in use.
For more safety information visit their website:
portable pools? isn't that just 1-2ft deep? pool safety should start from the parents or adult who's in charge.
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