MAY IS NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH
After a soggy spring, we’re all looking forward to having some fun in the sun. A backyard swimming pool is a great way to beat the heat and have some fun. But before you jump in, remember, pools also pose potentially hazardous situations.
National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign to educate the public on the importance of water safety education. Coordinated by the American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, National Recreation and Park Association and the World Waterpark Association, the campaign strives to share proper protocol
for adults and children while they are in and around water.
Before you or your family jumps into your pool, make sure it is properly equipped with safety barriers and equipment. Homeowners who have a pool on their property should also be certified
in CPR, for both adults and children. Drowning is the major cause of death for children each year, especially for the 1 to 4 age group, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In fact, drowning deaths among children ages 1-4 years rose 28% in 2022 compared to 2019; racial disparities across ages are also continuing, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also found that just over half of all adults in the U.S. have never taken a swimming lesson.
“I am terribly disappointed, but sadly not surprised, to see the increase in drowning rates, especially among 1- to 4-year-olds,” said AAP President Benjamin D. Hoffman, M.D., FAAP. “It is also disheartening to see the persistence of disparities in drowning among minoritized communities. The good news is that we know that implementing layers of protection can help protect children from drowning in and around water. It is important to raise awareness of drowning risks and work to address this tragic epidemic.” Young children are inquisitive and have no fear of the water. A child can easily slip under the water and drown – even with adults present. The best way to keep children safe around water is to teach them to swim. But remember, even while swimming skills lower the drowning rates for children, they are not a panacea. Adult supervision around water, whether it be a pool, bathtub or ocean, is also essential. Don’t let yourself become distracted; better yet appoint one adult whose only responsibility is to watch over the children in the pool. Even small kiddie pools can become a death trap, accounting for about 10 percent of the total fatalities for children younger than 15.
POOL SAFETY
As a residential pool owner, you are responsible for the safety of everyone who is on your property – children, adults, neighbors, even pets. Safety steps to take: Adequate fencing, with self-closing and self-latching locks on gates – this is required by law. You should also install an alarm on pool gates, which will sound if a gate has been opened for a few seconds. Pool alarms are available that sound if the surface of the pool water is disturbed. There are a variety of pool alarms including threshold alarms, perimeter alarms and wristband alarms that can even be used on pets. Automatic pool covers are an excellent way to keep children, pets and other intruders out of your pool while it’s not in use. Residential pool owners should also keep a lifesaver with a rope and a shepherd’s hook near the pool. These are simple inexpensive items you can use to pull someone to safety.
The Red Cross along with the National Swimming Pool Foundation offers an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners. It has a number of water safety tips including the importance of everyone learning to swim. Contact Delco Alarm Systems for more information on child-resistant pool alarms.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. Held on the last Monday in May, the federal holiday honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Military.
Across the country, parades are held, main streets are lined with American flags and a National Moment of Remembrance will take place at 3 p.m.- all to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. We hope you enjoy your three-day weekend. Have a burger or two. Take in a fireworks display and have fun with your family. Most importantly, remember and honor the service members who lost their lives for our freedom.