Did you know that drowning counts for one of the highest mortality rates in children under the age of 5?
The death of a child is an extremely traumatic experience for any family, especially if it was preventable. Yet drownings account for one of the highest causes of deaths in children aged 5 years or younger.
Creating a safe environment around the pool area should be the priority of all parents/pool owners, irrespective of whether their own children can swim or not. Here are some tips to ensure that you create a safe pool environment:
- Ensure that there is a secure barrier, like a fence, around the pool.
- Use layers of security – for example, a pool net or pool alarm, used in conjunction with a fence.
- Ensure that you are proficient in CPR, particularly infant CPR.
- Never, ever leave children unsupervised while they are swimming.
- Always ensure that an adult is supervising – don’t give the responsibility to older siblings.
- Always ensure that pool gates are closed properly and securely.
- Enroll infants in drown-proof classes, and get toddlers to swimming lessons as young as possible.
- Have the emergency medical help number memorized.
- Always be aware of where your children are.
- If you don’t use the pool frequently, empty it or fill it in.