Eight hundered ten children ages 14 and under drowned in 2005. An estimated 2,780 children were treated in emergency rooms after near-drowning in 2007. Severe and permanent brain damage affects as many as 20 percent of near-drowning victims. Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) (12/17/08).
SAFETY BASICS:
--Make sure pools and spas are enclosed on four sides with a fence at least 5 feet high with a self-closing and latching gates.
--Drains in pools and spas should have anti-entrapment drain covers.
--Learn infant and child CPR and always have a phone near the pool for emergency use.
--Children should always swim under the supervision of a grown-up. Every child over the age of three should have swimming lessons.
--Children using air-filled swimming aids should always be supervised by an adult within arm's reach.
--A U.S. Coastguard approved lifejacket should be worn for water sports such as tubing, skiing, or jet skiing. Air-filled aids such as inner tubes, water wings and inflatable rafts are not substitutes for approved lifejackets. It is important for children to learn and practice water safety rules. Here are some helpful water safety rules for children.
--Children should swim only if a lifeguard or a grown-up gives you permission.
--Teach children to obey the posted rules.
ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO:
--Check with the lifeguard to find out how deep the water is.
--Always swim with a buddy.
--Never jump or dive unless the lifeguard or a grown-up says it is okay to do so.
--Don't eat candy or chew gum when swimming.
--Never swim at night.
--Get out of the water right away if you hear thunder or see lightning.
--When on a boat, everyone needs a seat and his or her own U.S. Coastguard approved lifejacket.
All information has been referenced from the NFPA website. To view this website go to www.nfpa.org or click above on Departments, then Fire Department, then Useful Links, and then click on National Fire Protection Agency.