Unfortunately, there have been too many stories lately involving accidental drownings and pool season has just begun. With kids out of school for the summer and warmer weather here, pool safety is something that needs to be seriously addressed.

According to the CDC, drowning is the #1 cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4, and the #2 cause for kids 5 to 9.

1. Teach your kids how to swim and/or have them wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

2.  Never leave kids unattended in or near water. Designate an adult to supervise kids playing in the water. Have a phone accessible in case they need to call for help.

3.  Teach kids to stay away from drains. Hair or bathing suits can be drawn to a drain or suction opening.

4.  Keep your pool, maintained.  Secure it with barriers and covers, and remove or disable any ladders used for access. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation, and filtration, and keep the pool clean at all times.

5.  Learn CPR.  Everyone in your house should take a class on water safety, first aid, and CPR. Contact the Red Cross for more information.

 

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