A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.

Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.

Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.

In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.

Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.

A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions

While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.

Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.

The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.

Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress

For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.

These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.

Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.

As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.

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The American Red Cross has been a pioneer in water safety, aquatic science, certification, and instruction since 1914. Annually, its curriculum trains over 300,000 lifeguards, demonstrating its enduring commitment to ensuring the safety of swimmers.

Lifeguard VR Training: A Deeper Dive

Recently, The American Red Cross took a pioneering leap forward with the introduction of their new Virtual Reality (VR) lifeguard training simulator. This groundbreaking technology promises to transform the way lifeguards are trained, particularly in the crucial areas of surveillance and scanning skills, ultimately enhancing their ability to save lives.

At the recent Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) show held in Reno, Pool Magazine had an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative lifeguard training simulator developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with Lucid Reality Labs. Chris Whipple, M.Ed., NREMT, a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Red Cross, spoke about the significance of this technological advancement.

“The Red Cross, already the gold standard in water safety and drowning prevention, is enhancing lifeguard training for surveillance skills with the Lifeguard VR virtual reality tool,” stated Whipple, who explained how the tool will help provide effective scanning and surveillance skills that will assist them in identifying individuals in distress and help reinforce cognitive skills through immersive training scenarios.

How The Technology Works

Lifeguards can access the Lifeguard VR app, which offers a range of unique scenarios set in realistic aquatic environments, from the Meta Quest app store. The technology is compatible with all Meta Quest VR devices. In each scenario, lifeguards are placed on an elevated stand within their assigned zone and must swiftly identify individuals in need of assistance. By blowing a virtual whistle, they signal their recognition of the distressed person. Scores are calculated based on performance metrics that evaluate scanning and recognition abilities.

“The award-winning Lifeguard VR tool uses the best cutting-edge technology to ensure that lifeguards are at the top of their game, keeping facility patrons safe,” added Whipple.

Tackling Real-World Problems

This VR lifeguard training simulator is designed to replicate real-world scenarios with remarkable accuracy. It incorporates elements such as typical water behaviors, drowning behaviors, and the presence of other patrons or swimmers. Lifeguards are also challenged by obstacles like lane ropes and floating features, mirroring the complexities they face in actual pool environments.

Moreover, the Lifeguard VR app provides valuable performance metrics, allowing trainers to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Heatmap data on scanning patterns, along with quiz and identification metrics, offer valuable insights into lifeguard competency at various stages of training.

“Lifeguard Instructors and supervisors can now provide dynamic scenarios set in a realistic pool environment to analyze surveillance and scanning skills, recognition of drowning response, and support first aid skills,” explained Whipple.

By harnessing the power of virtual reality, the American Red Cross aims to revolutionize lifeguard training, ensuring that lifeguards are better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. This innovative approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also offers a more engaging and accessible training experience for lifeguards.

As Whipple aptly summarized, “With the new Red Cross Lifeguard VR app, lifeguards can practice and hone their skills taught in the classroom. By immersing users in dynamic, realistic drowning scenarios, lifeguards are able to improve learning outcomes while learning in an engaging, modern, and accessible way.”

In an era where technology continues to reshape industries across the board, the integration of virtual reality into lifeguard training represents a significant step forward in ensuring water safety and drowning prevention. The American Red Cross’s commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to excellence in safeguarding aquatic environments and protecting lives.

Photo Credits: The American Red Cross

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In the wake of a heartbreaking incident at a hotel pool in northwest Houston, authorities are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning of an 8-year-old girl. The incident occurred over the weekend and has sent shockwaves through the community.

Missing Girl Drowned in Hotel Pool According To Investigators

The young girl, identified by her family as Aliyah Lynette Jaico, was reported missing on Saturday evening around 6 p.m. The last sighting of her was near the lazy river-style pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow located at 12801 Northwest Fwy. Despite frantic efforts by her family to locate her, including thorough searches of the pool area, Aliyah remained unaccounted for.

Tim Miller, the founder of Texas EquuSearch, revealed that security footage showed Aliyah entering the water but never resurfacing. This discovery prompted a comprehensive investigation into the pool’s infrastructure. Utilizing cameras affixed to long poles, authorities drained the pool to inspect its piping system.

What they uncovered was harrowing: Aliyah had been pulled approximately 20 feet into a pipe with a diameter of about 16 inches. Despite exhaustive efforts by the Houston Fire Department and emergency responders, it took nearly 13 hours to access the pipe and retrieve Aliyah’s lifeless body.

Further scrutiny into the hotel’s facilities revealed concerning findings. Reports from the Houston Health Department’s inspection conducted on Monday outlined multiple violations.

“Main drain document was provided and still valid. However small pool has 32-inch channel drains on the walls, without a valid document stating their function, date of installation and date of expiration. A full inspection was conducted, multiple violations were observed. Video footage is available, however manager stated that the footage is being reviewed by legal, and we would have to wait to receive a copy,” part of Monday’s report read.

Hotel Pool Had Numerous Violations

March 2024 Report

03-25-2024 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

June 2023 Report

06-06-2023 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

March 2023 Report

03-09-2023 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

September 2022 Report

09-15-2022 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

September 2021 Report

09-29-2021 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

As investigations continue, questions linger regarding the adequacy of safety measures at the hotel’s pool and the potential oversight in maintenance protocols. The loss of the young victim has cast a somber shadow over the community, prompting calls for enhanced vigilance and stringent adherence to safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Featured Photo Credit: Google Maps

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In a groundbreaking move, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has introduced the “NY SWIMS” initiative, aiming to enhance water safety across the state. The $60 million grant program is set to establish 10 new pools in underserved communities, with an additional $30 million allocated for pop-up pools during heat waves. This summer, the number of pools and beaches providing water safety instruction programs is expected to more than double, increasing from seven to 17.

One notable highlight of the initiative is the fast-tracking of a floating, self-filtering pool in New York City’s waterways. Initially proposed over a decade ago, the $16 million project, with $12 million from the state and $4 million from the city, will see the 9,000-square-foot +Pool become a reality. Shaped like a plus sign with an Olympic-sized setup, the pool will undergo testing this summer, likely in a location connected to the riverbed off Manhattan’s Lower East Side, anticipating a public opening next summer.

Governor Hochul also pledged to bolster lifeguard numbers statewide. Concerns arose at the start of the previous summer when New York City had only about one-third of the required 1,400 lifeguards to ensure swimmers’ safety.

The comprehensive plan was unveiled at a press conference on January 5, with Governor Hochul joined by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Describing it as “the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal,” the initiative is a response to alarming drowning rates in New York. The most recent data from 2021 revealed 230 deaths, prompting urgent action.

Mayor Adams emphasized the significance of the initiative, pointing out that drowning has become a leading cause of death, particularly among children aged 1 to 14. With New York City surrounded by water, Adams stressed the importance of teaching young people to swim. He highlighted the stark disparities, citing a 2017 survey indicating that one in three Black students cannot swim compared to one in 10 white counterparts.

Adams passionately shared his personal experience, recounting a lack of swimming facilities in his community, where a water hose and the hope for a turned-on fire hydrant served as makeshift pools. He drew attention to the stark contrast, likening Coney Island to the Hamptons for his community and Riis Beach to Martha’s Vineyard.

The “NY SWIMS” initiative builds on previous efforts, including legislation from September that provided free swimming lessons for second graders in the city. This transformative initiative aims not only to create new aquatic spaces but also to change mindsets and address historical inequalities in access to swimming resources.

Read the perspective of 13-year-old East Harlem resident Lucas Rosado as he shares his testimonial on the personal significance of the “NY SWIMS” initiative:

I’m Lucas Rosado, a 13-year-old Latino from East Harlem. Some of my earliest memories are swimming here at the Children’s Aid Milbank Center. I started swimming when I was five and became competitive when I was seven. And one of my favorite things to do is race at swim meets. I always have fun competing, making new friends and improving with my team.

During the pandemic, that all came to a stop. In that long period when I couldn’t swim, I realized just how important swimming is. It’s a valuable skill that teaches values like community, sportsmanship, hard work, discipline and perseverance In Latino and Black communities like mine, I think expanding swim programs would be amazing.

In these communities, a reduction in obesity and drowning rates is greatly needed, and providing young people access to pools and lessons will help them experience the numerous physical, mental and social benefits that swimming has to offer. Programs that increase pool access and swimming education like the Children’s Aid are great for building strong and healthy communities.

Swimming is also a social sport that allows you to meet new people and learn valuable skills like sportsmanship and teamwork. People who started as toddlers just learning how to swim eventually grow up to be coaches as adults all while maintaining lifelong friendships.

That comfort, shared by all ages and backgrounds here at the pool, is something more people need to experience, and I’m confident that Governor Hochul’s announcement will help achieve that for all communities. I hope everyone in New York can get a swimming pool near them and learn to love being in the water just like I do.

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In response to the alarming statistics revealing that drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged four or younger in Florida, two dedicated legislators, Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, have introduced a swim lesson vouchers system. Since 2020, a staggering 256 children in this age group have tragically lost their lives to drowning in the Sunshine State. The proposed legislation, SB 544/581, is designed to create a voucher system within the Department of Health, offering swimming lessons to low-income families with young children.

Swim Lesson Vouchers – Key Legislation Components

Targeted Assistance: The legislation specifically targets families with one or more children aged four and under, whose income falls within 200% of the federal poverty level. By focusing on this demographic, the program aims to address the disproportionate impact of drowning incidents in lower-income households.

Department of Health Oversight: The Department of Health would play a central role in administering the program, contracting with a network of swimming lesson vendors to facilitate the distribution of vouchers. This ensures a coordinated effort to reach families in need and connect them with reputable swim education providers.

Geared Towards Prevention: Sen. Hutson emphasizes a shift in focus from physical pool safety measures to proactive prevention through swimming lessons. By imparting essential swimming skills to high-risk children, the program aims to significantly reduce the incidence of drowning, ultimately saving lives.

No Appropriation, Diverse Funding Sources: The proposed legislation, slated to take effect on July 1, 2024, does not include a specific appropriation. However, it opens the door for funding from multiple sources, indicating that vouchers could be paid for by the state or through private and public grants. This versatile funding approach enhances the sustainability and scalability of the program.

Addressing Florida’s Pool Landscape

Florida boasts more than 1.5 million residential pools, making it a state with one pool for approximately every 14 residents. Acknowledging this reality, the legislators recognize the need for a comprehensive approach to water safety beyond physical pool barriers. The voucher program aims to bridge the gap by directly equipping children with the ability to swim, a life skill crucial for their safety in a state with such abundant water resources.

“There is nothing more important to parents than the health and well-being of their children, that’s why we’ve taken a giant step towards providing greater access to swimming lessons for young children in Florida.  This common sense, but significant bill aims to eliminate youth drowning deaths in Florida and ensure every child is equipped with the ability to swim in our state.”

Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera

Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera’s proposed voucher program represents a proactive and targeted response to a critical issue affecting Florida’s youngest residents. With child drowning incidents reaching alarming numbers, the legislation offers a tangible solution by making swim education accessible to families facing economic challenges.

“In the past, we’ve focused on how to physically make pools safer, but this bill is going to save lives by actually teaching high-risk kids how to swim,”

Sen. Travis Hutson

By prioritizing prevention over remediation and leveraging diverse funding sources, this initiative holds the potential to save lives and ensure that every child in Florida has the opportunity to learn the essential skill of swimming. The proposed legislation aims for a safer and more inclusive future for the Sunshine State’s children.

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This holiday season, you can help decrease Florida’s drowning rates by taking action towards providing swimming lessons for children around the state.

By pre-ordering just one of the Florida Swims Foundation’s “Swim For Life” specialty license plates, you will create a domino effect of positive action that directly impacts Florida’s children and overall water safety.

The numbers that define Florida’s drowning statistics are serious. Did you know that:

• Drowning is the #1 cause of death for Florida children ages 1-4 (per CDC)
• Florida ranked #1 in the U.S. for unintentional drowning death rate for children ages 1-4 years from 2018-2020 combined (per FloridaHealth.gov)
• Each year, there are enough children under age 5 lost to drowning to fill 3-4 Florida classrooms (per Florida Health Charts)

But there is more data that is poised to redefine Florida’s current drowning statistics. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), swimming lessons are proven to reduce the risk of drowning by a whopping 88%.

The Florida Swims Foundation created the “Swim For Life” specialty license plate as a tangible, impactful way to reduce that drowning risk even further. Each plate provides a child with a swimming lesson in their community. Through a partnership with Every Child A Swimmer, the Foundation has provided hundreds of Florida swim schools and thousands of students with life-changing lessons in water safety to date. Now, it is time for that impact to be expanded even further. It is time for all of Florida’s children to have access to swimming lessons.

When it comes down to it, the math is simple:

• 1 license plate = 1 child receiving a swim lesson
• 1 license plate = 1 child’s life saved from drowning
• 1 license plate = 1 less drowning death in our own backyard

YOU can have this impact by purchasing the Florida Swims Foundation’s “Swim For Life” specialty license plate.

Pre-order today and learn more at SwimForLifeFlorida.com.

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The lifeguard shortage in America is poised to have a significant impact on summer activities, potentially leading to the early closure of over 50% of public pools across the country. As families flock to beaches, pools, and water parks to beat the summer heat, the lack of lifeguards poses a threat to the safety and enjoyment of these recreational spaces.

While the demand for lifeguards has consistently exceeded supply in recent years, the current shortage is reaching unprecedented levels. In New York City, for example, even with a 9% pay increase and sign-on bonus, the city is still left with only one-third of the required lifeguards. This pattern is mirrored across the country, with states and municipalities reporting their worst lifeguard shortages on record.

What a Lifeguard Shortage Means For Swimmers

According to the American Lifeguard Association, approximately half of the nation’s 309,000 public pools will be forced to either close their doors or reduce their operating hours due to the lack of lifeguards. This statistic highlights the gravity of the situation and the widespread impact on communities’ access to safe swimming facilities.

Colorado is one state taking proactive measures to address the shortage. The state has allocated a series of grants aimed at rectifying the problem. For example, the YMCA in Johnstown, Colorado, received just over $10,000 to invest in training and recertification programs for lifeguards and lifeguard instructors. The goal is to attract and train more staff, especially in smaller communities where the pool of potential lifeguards is limited. These resources will help ensure that there are enough trained professionals to teach and safeguard swimmers.

The reasons behind the lifeguard shortage are multifaceted. Low salaries, a lack of qualified applicants, and rigorous testing procedures contribute to the challenge of hiring lifeguards. The American Lifeguard Association highlights that being a lifeguard is more than just a summer job. Lifeguards play a vital role in informing people about potential dangers and ensuring their safety in and around water. This level of responsibility requires individuals with the right qualifications, skills, and commitment.

The consequences of the lifeguard shortage extend beyond mere inconvenience. They pose serious risks to public safety, particularly as the summer season brings a surge in water-related activities. Drowning incidents can occur within seconds, emphasizing the urgency of having trained and vigilant lifeguards on duty.

Why Lifeguards Are So Important

Lifeguards play a crucial role in preventing drownings and ensuring water safety. The following facts underscore the importance of lifeguards in safeguarding lives:

1. Drowning Statistics: Each year, approximately 4,000 individuals in the United States lose their lives due to drowning. Drowning ranks as a leading cause of unintentional injury death across all age groups, and it is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 1-14.
2. Drowning Locations: The majority of drownings, ranging from 50% to 75%, occur in open water such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds. However, swimming pools account for approximately 60% of drowning deaths among children.
3. Lifeguard Efficacy: Various organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recognize the effectiveness of lifeguards in preventing drownings and aquatic accidents. Communities and local government officials often seek evidence on the value of lifeguard services and their impact on public safety.
4. Preventability of Drownings: Most drownings are preventable through multiple strategies, and the presence of lifeguards is one effective approach. By stationing lifeguards at public swimming areas and encouraging people to swim in those protected zones, the risk of drowning can be significantly reduced.
5. Lifeguard Protection: Estimates suggest that the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards can be as low as one in 18 million. This statistic highlights the significant impact that trained and professional lifeguards have on drowning prevention in the United States.
6. Water Watching & Supervision: Lifeguards provide critical water watching and supervision, as many drowning victims do not exhibit obvious signs of distress. Drowning often occurs quietly and quickly, with individuals unable to call out or signal for help. Children and adults can submerge in as little as 20-60 seconds. Lifeguards play a vital role in detecting these silent emergencies and intervening promptly.
7. Deterrence of Risky Behaviors: The presence of lifeguards acts as a deterrent to behaviors that can put swimmers at risk of drowning. Just as increased police presence can deter crime, lifeguards discourage activities like horseplay or venturing into rough or deep water, thereby enhancing overall water safety.

To address this issue, concerted efforts are needed at various levels. Increasing salaries, offering attractive benefits, and providing opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement can help attract and retain lifeguards. Additionally, promoting lifeguard certification programs, raising awareness about the importance of water safety, and investing in community resources can contribute to a more sustainable lifeguard workforce.

As communities strive to enjoy the pleasures of water recreation, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals. By recognizing the significance of lifeguards and taking active steps to address the shortage, we can ensure that swimming pools and other water facilities remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone during the summer months.

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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.

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PHOENIX, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Many Americans do not know how to swim, placing themselves at risk as they enjoy swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans this summer.

• May marks the 20^th Annual National Water Safety Month to call attention to water safety and the importance of learning to swim.
• Leslie’s, the leading direct-to-consumer pool and spa brand in the U.S., teams up with Cullen Jones, four-time Olympic swimming medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world swimming record, to raise awareness of the importance of swimming lessons; maintaining healthy and safe pool water; and securing pool areas.
• National retailer launches in-store program, May 5 – October 31, to raise funds for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and YMCA to support swim lessons and water safety education programs.

According to a recent Leslie’s-commissioned survey conducted by The Harris Poll, only 63% of U.S. adults say they are very comfortable being around water, and as much as 36% of those surveyed say they do not know how to swim.

The numbers are even more alarming for children. Nearly half the parents of children under 18 years of age say their child does not know how to swim, and 61% say their child has not taken swimming lessons. Almost 30% of parents say they are concerned about their child drowning.

Those concerns are well-founded. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year in the U.S. there are an estimated 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children ages one to four years with the majority of the drownings occurring in swimming pools versus natural bodies of water. The CDC also reports that drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 years old, behind motor vehicle crashes. Among children 5 to 14 years of age, 30% of the drowning deaths occur in swimming pools, while more than half of the drownings among people 15 years or older are in natural waters such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

“Children are irresistibly drawn to water, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond, or a river. It’s better to teach them how to be safe in the water than to instruct them to avoid it and hope they listen,” said Cullen Jones, four-time Olympic swimming medalist, who is now a swimming lessons advocate and Leslie’s water safety collaboration partner. “Learning to be safe and at ease in the water also opens up a whole new world of recreational and athletic possibilities, such as boating, fishing and competitive swimming, among others.”     

Jones nearly drowned at age five. His mother reacted — not by keeping him out of the water, but by enrolling him in swimming lessons, where he thrived. While swimming lessons are important, pool owners should take additional safety precautions to prevent drownings.

Three Tenets of Water Safety
A priority at Leslie’s is to spread awareness of three primary tenets of pool safety, including maintaining healthy and safe water, ensuring a secure pool area, and encouraging swimming lessons and water safety education.

Leslie’s is dedicated to helping its customers stay safe during swim season and all year long. To maintain clean and healthy water, regular testing is crucial to uphold proper water balance.  Leslie’s makes it easy with its free AccuBlue in-store water test and treatment plan. The AccuBlue technology is a product of Leslie’s 60 years of water testing experience and the accumulated data from more than 50 million tests. AccuBlue covers 10 parameters and generates a water health score and customized treatment plan to help pool owners get their water back in balance. The company offers additional products, tools, and information to stay safe in and around the pool, from the latest in pool security fencing, gates, safety covers, and alarms to learn-to-swim products.

Encouraging swimming lessons and education, Leslie’s is proud to support the water safety efforts of the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. From May 5 through October 31, 2023, Leslie’s will be accepting customer donations in all their more than 1,000 stores across the nation and online to support water safety programs. To benefit our communities, 100% of all donations will be split equally between the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, both of whom share Leslie’s passion for water safety. Leslie’s and its customers have contributed more than $500,000 to these two nonprofit organizations. For the first time, Leslie’s is sponsoring the Phoenix location of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, to be held at the South Valley YMCA on June 22, 2023.

About Leslie’s
Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Phoenix-based Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas. 

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

About Cullen Jones
Cullen Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. He nearly drowned at age five in a water park in Pennsylvania and after that incident his mother enrolled him in swim lessons, and it soon became clear that Jones had natural talent as a swimmer. He dedicates a significant portion of his time to his role as a water safety advocate. He is a partner of Leslie’s, the most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, as the voice of water safety, especially during May, Water Safety Month, and across the entire swim season.

About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from April 25-27, 2023, among 2,050 adults ages 18 and older, including 687 parents of children under age 18. Results were weighted for age within gender, region, race/ethnicity, household income, education, marital status, and size of household where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

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A video gone viral on TikTok caught the attention of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), which is sending a cautionary message to parents.

In the video, which is presented as a “Parenting Hack,” a mom suggests placing a playpen in a body of water as a way for both parent and child to enjoy the deep end of a lake or pool, “without having to worry about our little ones.” After being flagged by Tik Tok and many users, the video was removed, however not before having gone viral with several hundred thousand views and shares.

@niky.mamamd The only pool/water hack there is is being with your child at ALL times when they are in or near water. #pediatrician #poolsafety #poolsafetytips #summersafety #kidsafety ♬ original sound – Niky.mamaMD

As many in the U.S. prepare to enjoy the busiest water recreation season of the year, and with child drowning rates at historic highs, NDPA is raising a red flag to parents to ignore this irresponsible and dangerous advice.

Said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, NDPA, “We implore all parents to disregard this message, and not put playpens in any body of water. This is not a recommended water safety measure and could put a child at an increased risk of drowning.”

To keep a child safe from drowning, NDPA recommends adhering to the Five Layers of Protection. Added Katchmarchi, “Drowning is fast and silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds with no sound. Backyard pools, ponds, canals, lakes, rivers, and other manmade and natural water features that surround homes can be dangerous if the five layers of protection are not in place.”

Developed by NDPA with input from pediatricians, epidemiologists, and aquatics education professionals based on best practices in drowning prevention, the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent child drowning include barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency, use of lifejackets and other approved floatation devices, and emergency preparedness. No one practice should ever be used in isolation. To learn more about how to prevent drowning, visit NDPA.org/Layers. 

The CDC states that drowning is the single leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of injury-related death for children up to age 14. According to reports from cities and towns across the U.S., childhood drowning rates have been steadily on the rise since 2019. In 2021, the number of child fatalities due to drowning was equal to as many as 11 school buses of children or almost 18 children per week. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that for every (one) fatal child drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for a non-fatal drowning.

About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “Elevating awareness to educate, advocate, innovate, and equip to prevent drowning.” NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning by creating a united alliance to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

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