The startling number of deaths in swimming pools and spas across the country has the Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking that parents be thinking safety:
“Just one incident is one too many,” said Inez M. Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC. “These statistics are a wake up call and a reminder that these tragic incidents are preventable. Our kids safety program is designed to teach parents and children simple water safety steps so that everyone will Pool Safely this summer.”
They are asking all parents to watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIctLH3-Fu0
There have been tragic stories from Iowa, Massachusetts, D.C. , and Kansas.
Other Injuryboard members have also addressed the issue:
Learn Lessons from a Young Boy Drowning in a Pool, Karl Truman | September 10, 2009 7:02 PM
What Does Drowning Look Like? ,Mark Bello | July 23, 2010 1:06 PM
Minnesota saw the tragic death of Abigail Taylor which helped change federal and state laws. Hopefully, the drain changes will lead to safer pools all children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission sent out a Swimming Pool Safety Alert. The report also included the following suggestions:
– Always check the pool first if a child is missing, reaction time is vital.
-Learn CPR
– Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover.
– Don’t run when you are around the pool.
– Take the time to teach children to swim. My own boys have been taking lessons for years. It helps to have the peace of mind that they know many of the safety rules.
You can also visit Safe Kids (www.safekids.org) and the NDPA (www.ndpa.org)
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
2 Comments
Dave Cutler
Detecting drowning is very difficult even with well-trained lifeguards and diligent parents watching the water. It occurs much too quickly and silently. About 90% of events with children happen with supervision present (CDC). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is a leading cause of death of people ages 1-19. For every one drowning death, 7-10 people suffer permanent neurological damage (CDC).
A 2006 drowning at our town's park (despite 5 lifeguards and 6 camp counselors) inspired three dads to form a company and make a difference. We developed the Wahooo Swim Monitor System (WahoooSMS.com), which we just launched. It's a reliable, practical and affordable technological solution to dramatically reduce the risk of preventable drowning. All swimmers are monitored and if any are in danger of drowning, the system immediately alerts lifeguards to the event so that they can intervene. Otherwise, the event may be missed by lifeguards, often resulting in tragedies like this one at the CV pool.
With a Wahooo Swim Monitor System installed, these needless tragedies can be prevented.
Mike Bryant
Thanks for reading and posting the additional comment. Clearly technology should be able to make a difference.
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