Tips can help prevent swimming pool dangers





About 350 children under 5 years old drown in pools each year nationwide, and over half of these incidents occur in June, July and August. Among unintentional injuries, drowning is the second leading cause of death to this age group after motor vehicle incidents.


Another 2,600 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for near-drowning incidents. Most of these cases involve residential pools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to reduce the number of children drowning this summer.


Many people assume that, at a residence with a pool, the danger of drowning occurs only when the family is outside or using the pool. But, a common scenario takes place when young children leave the house without a parent or caregiver realizing it. Children are drawn to water, not knowing the terrible danger pools can pose.


"Drowning happens quickly and silently, often without splashing or screaming," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "It can occur in just the couple of minutes it takes to answer the telephone."


The key to preventing these tragedies is to have layers of protections. This includes placing barriers around your pool to prevent access, using pool alarms, closely supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency. CPSC offers these tips to prevent drowning:




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