The heat is on and one of the best ways to beat the heat in the summer months is to cool down by a pool. But every year, over 900 children, 14 years and younger drown in swimming pool mishaps. The sad truth is that most of these drownings are preventable.
Recent studies have shown that 9 out of the 10 children over the age of 1 who died in a pool were "supervised". Parents and caregivers need to pay close attention when children are around the pool. Do not be tempted by any distractions.
So how do you prevent accidents from happening?
Start by installing a fence around your pool. It should be at least 4 feet high on all 4 sides and the gate leading to the pool should always be locked.
Children are clever, quick and quiet when they want to be. They can unlock a door, climb on a chair or iron fence and undo a latch and gain access to a pool very easily.
Once the gate is locked, make sure you have a phone at your finger tips. You should also have a floatation device near by, just in case.
Make sure the person who is the designated supervisor knows they are and should be within arms reach of children at all times.
It's also good to keep toys away from pool when not in use. Do not place any moving toys like a tricycle near pool and make sure there are no electrical appliance around water.
Lastly remember: no running around the pool and no diving in a shallow pool!
Drownings are silent, and many times the last place a parent looks for their missing child is at the bottom of the pool, long after it is too late.
Swimming is one of the highlights of summer for kids of all ages, so make sure safety is paramount!
I'm Dr. Sue with The Kids Doctor. I hope you're enjoying your summer!
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