Consumer Product Safety Commission Urges Pool Safety

Information released in July by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that 90 children under the age of 15 were reported to have drowned in swimming pools since Memorial Day.

The CPSC added that according to media reports, an additional 106 children in the same age group required emergency response for near-drowning incidents. 

According to the CPSC, these figures demonstrate that young children and toddlers are particualry vulnerable to drowning; 72 percent of the children reported to have drowned since Memorial Day were younger than 5 years old.

"Making sure their children learn how to swim is one of the most important steps parents can take," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum in a press release. "Swimming is a fun activity to help keep cool in the summer and it also can be a lifesaver."

The CPSC provided the following tips that parents, caregivers and pool owners can use to ensure that children and adults stay safe around pools and spas:

• Stay close, be alert and watch children in and around the pool. This means never leave children unattended in a pool or spa; always watch children closely around all bodies of water; teach children basic water safety tips; and keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings.
• Learn and practice water safety skills. This means every family member should know how to swim and learning to perform CPR on children and adults.
• Have appropriate equipment for your pool or spa. This include fencing, a lockable safety cover, proper drain covers to avoid entrapments, and lifesaving equipment such as life rings and a reaching pole.

--Information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission