As this especially hot summer of 1999 reaches halfway, one way in which people keep cool is by swimming. As emergency service providers, you all know the dangers involved with pools, but all too often, we let our guard slip for just a moment, with tragic results. According to the National Safety Council drowning is the second leading cause of preventable injury related deaths in children with 1,000 drownings per year. Always use approved personal flotation devices rather than inflatable toys to keep children afloat. Remove toys from in and around the pool when not using them.
Toys can attract children to the pool.
With aboveground pools, secure and lock steps and ladders leading from the ground to the pool. Or, remove them when not using the pool. Have a first aid kit, phone and emergency phone numbers nearby. Feel free to share these tips with your community in your local newspaper, but also remember to bring safety home with you.