Drownings Are On the Rise – We Can Do Our Part to Reduce them.
Summer came in quickly. Firefighters & Paramedics are seeing an increase in swimming pool drownings. Many people are spending their time in pools to beat the heat. Unfortunately, there is a dangerous side to summer and swimming pools.
Drowning incidents are dramatically on the rise locally and statewide. There are over 4,000 unintentional deaths every year.
Parents whose children have drowned say the day of the tragedy started out just like any other day. No matter how the drowning happened or where it happened — pool, spa, or any other body of water — one thing was the same, the seconds that claimed their child’s life slid by silently, without warning, it happens just like that and can never be brought back.
Drowning is preventable! This is a great time for you and your agency to start a Swimming Pool Safety Campaign in your community.
Children drown without a sound. Drowning is a quiet event. There is no splashing, no screaming, and no noise at all.
What can you do to prevent drowning incidents?
Follow the ABC’s of water safety:
A – Adult Supervision. Assign an adult Water Watcher to always keep their eyes on those in the water. Never allow them to swim alone!
B – Barriers such as fences, self-closing and self-latching gates, pool motion sensors, window, and door alarms.
C – Classes. Parents and Caregivers should take CPR and First Aid, and swimming courses that are available for both children and adults.
A special shout to the professional men & women of the Orange County Fire Authority for some great videos on drowning prevention https://lnkd.in/gWjkwr_k Thank you OCFA!
Lastly, when paddle boarding, ocean swimming, or surfing make sure you tell someone when you are leaving, when you are returning and your destination.
So, dive in and start a swimming pool safety campaign in your community!
Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is “ Swimming Pool Safety for Your Community.” This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction, or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]
Chief Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association, and Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is a consultant for Lexipol www.Lexipol.com