SafeWater Pool Systems 866-723-3928
Drowning Prevention Tips & Resources
Here at SafeWater, we hear lots of stories. Sadly some stories have an unfortunate ending. Others are success stories.
steps you can take to avoid danger may make a life-and-death difference for your family
When we answer the telephone we never know if it will be a family who lost a child to drowning so they are now installing a net or fence to protect the other children in the family. Or perhaps as in a recent call — a child received CPR but sustained serious brain damage. The family had no protection in the pool area. This 2-year-old has siblings and now the family is choosing to have either a net or fence installed. The child is in intensive rehab and will be for the rest of his life.
On a happier note, a customer recently called in and told us we saved a child's life with our Safety Net. One was a grandmother who left their grandchild with Grandpa. She ran out to buy milk and came back no more than 5 minutes later. She found the child was sitting on the safety net, which was covering the pool. The grandfather had fallen asleep in a lounge chair while the little boy quiety played with his toys on a blanket in the grass. You can imagine the startling surprise when the grandfather woke up to see the Grandmother lifting the child off the net. These are the good stories.
At SafeWater, we understand knowledge is a powerful tool for combating these tragedies. Knowing how and where children drown, as well as the concrete steps you can take to avoid danger may make a life-and-death difference for your family.
Important Things You Need To Know
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Installation of a pool safety fence or a safety net is of utmost
importance. This can be done prior to moving into a home with a pool. If you are in a home right now with an unprotected pool, please take all safety precautions. Then contact us as soon as
possible for a free estimate.
- Water with its rippling, shimmering appeal is a magnet for children. Children under the age of five have no fear of water and no concept of death. They associate water with play not with danger.
- If your child is missing, do not delay! Check your pool, spa, fountains and/or ponds. Always check these areas first! Every second will count.
- There are no substitutes for diligent supervision.
- Teach pool safety rules to your family, caregivers and visitors.
- Assign an adult water watcher to supervise the pool/spa area when the children are in the pool. Whether it is a social gathering or just a typical day in your backyard.
- When the water watcher needs a break, be sure someone else is taking the task until his or her return to the pool area.
- Baby-sitters and guardians should always be instructed about potential hazards in and around the pool. Always emphasize the need for constant supervision.
- Never consider your child "drown-proof" even after swimming lessons. Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision by a responsible adult.
- 25% of all drowning victims have had swimming lessons.
- Mount flotation devices designed for lifesaving near the pool. Many float-type toys are thought to be lifesavers. They are not. They are only toys.
- Keep tricycles and other children's toys away from the pool or spa areas. Never keep a toy floating in a pool.
- A poolside telephone is an essential part of a safe pool environment. Many drownings occur when a caretaker leaves a child alone to answer a telephone call. Install a phone, or keep a cordless phone in the pool or spa area.
- Learn how to give CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid and other lifesaving practices to adults and children. Children over the age of 14 years can learn CPR.
- Teach family members and baby-sitters how to contact local emergency medical services. Post CPR, safety instructions, and the 911 emergency phone number in an easy-to-see place.
- Keep a shepherd's hook near the pool area.
- At SafeWater Pool Systems, we can also assist you with pool alarms and safety alarms on windows and doors by referring you to companies who provide this type of service in your area simply as a courtesy to you. These products will add another layer of protection in addition to the SafeWater's Safety Net and Safety Fence. Contact us for information.
- To learn more safety tips, sign up for a "Safety Works" newsletter
and check out fun safety puzzles and games for kids at SafeKids U.S.A.
- Drowning usually occurs quickly and silently. In the time it takes you to answer the phone (2 minutes), a child can lose consciousness; in the time it takes you to sign for a package (4 minutes), a child submerged in a tub, pool, fountain or pond can sustain permanent brain damage.
- Childhood drownings and near-drownings can happen in a matter of seconds and typically occur when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse in supervision.
- Two minutes following submersion, a child will lose consciousness.
- Irreversible brain damage occurs after four to six minutes and determines the immediate and long-term survival of a child.
- The majority of children who survive (92%) are discovered within two minutes following submersion, and most children who die (86%) are found after 10 minutes. Nearly all who require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) die or are left with severe brain injury.
- Protection does not replace adult supervision. Never leave a child unsupervised in or near any body of water even for a second!
