Making Water Safety a Priority This Pool Season

As Water Safety Month comes to an end, the importance of education and awareness remains a top priority, especially during the busy summer months. Drowning prevention and water safety efforts are ongoing, requiring the collective efforts of both pool owners as well as professionals to educate and promote proper safety measures. As a community, spreading the message, sharing resources, and working with organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable water experience for everyone.

The 5 Layers of Protection

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 1-4, and it can occur quickly and silently. To effectively prevent drowning incidents, it is crucial to implement multiple layers of protection. By understanding and embracing the five layers of protection, we can actively prevent tragedies and save lives. Take a few minutes to learn these layers, and together we can create a safer environment:

1. Constant Adult Supervision: Never leave children unattended near water.
2. Secure Barriers: Install proper fencing and barriers to limit access to pools and other water bodies.
3. Water Safety Education: Teach children how to swim and educate them about water safety rules.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Learn CPR and basic water rescue techniques.
5. Life Jackets: Ensure children wear appropriate life jackets when participating in water activities.

Statistics Highlighting The Urgency of Water Safety

• In the United States, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for children aged 14 and under.
• The World Health Organization estimates that drowning is one of the top five causes of death for individuals aged 1-14 in 48 out of 85 monitored countries.
• More than half (54%) of children aged 4-17 in the United States are unable to perform basic water safety skills.
• June has the highest number of fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in the U.S.
• Nearly 80% of drowning victims are male, and African-American children aged 5-19 experience drowning rates 5.5 times higher than Caucasian children.
• Drowning incidents can occur in as little as two minutes, and victims often do not signal for help.
• Participation in formal swimming lessons by children aged 1-4 significantly reduces the risk of drowning.

These important facts highlight the critical need for ongoing education, access to swim lessons, and the implementation of preventative measures. Making water safety a priority during the pool season is crucial for families to protect their loved ones and prevent tragic incidents. Children are particularly vulnerable to drowning, and accidents can occur unexpectedly. By implementing better water safety measures, families empower themselves to respond effectively and ensure the well-being of their loved ones.