Moreover, at the time of these accidents, most of the children were being supervised by one or both of the parents. According to the C.P.S.C., the common denominator in most of the child submersion incidents investigated is a temporary lapse in supervision. It only takes a few minutes for a child to slip from a parent s sight, reach the pool, and accidentally fall in. The time it takes a parent to locate and rescue a child determines life or death, or the probability of permanent brain damage as a result of submersion. Barriers are intended to buy parents the additional time needed to locate a toddler or preschooler who has suddenly vanished from sight before the child can gain access to the family pool.
Barriers can also protect children from falling into hot tubs and spas.
However, safety covers are only safe when they are used.