We are half-way through summer now, the heat is very much among us which means that swimming season is in full swing. With swimming; comes dangers that are often talked about but sometimes still overlooked.
This year already, there have been 28 water related deaths with 9 of those being children in a total of 114 water related accidents in Maricopa County alone.
These statistics are not only alarming, but downright scary considering we are only a little past halfway through 2012.
The same principles have always been in place and they are the only way to prevent more accidents from occurring. Watch your children around water. Never leave them unsupervised, not even for a second.
Swimming pool accidents in phoenix, are becoming more and more of a trend, let’s stop these horrific accidents from happening by following a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this summer.
- Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area for any reason. Don't be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations. If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you, making sure the pool gate latches securely when it closes.
- Always keep your eyes on the child or children. Designate a child watcher, whether you or someone else, when you attend a party or have friends or family over.
- Talk with baby-sitters about pool safety, supervision and drowning prevention.
- Post rules such as "No running," "No pushing," "No dunking" and "Never swim alone." Enforce the rules.
- Don't rely on swimming lessons or "floaties" to protect your children in the water.
- Don't assume that drowning or a drowning incident couldn't happen to you or your family.
- Don't have a false sense of security just because you think your pool area and home are secure. Always watch your children, whether in the house or outside.
- Attend a CPR class. Make sure your baby-sitter knows CPR.
- For the nearest cardiopulmonary resuscitation class, contact your fire department, Red Cross or hospital.
- Encourage your neighbors to follow pool safety guidelines, including keeping their back gates and doors locked, and their pool gates securely closed and latched.
Swimming accidents in Arizona are always a danger each year in the summer, follow these tips and you and your loved ones can have a safe and happy summer while trying to cool off with the climbing temperature.
Stay safe everyone!
