Accident Newsroom

It's Also Important To Remember That Pool Covers Are Not Designed To Prevent Children From Drowning

What SAFE KIDS is doing:

SAFE KIDS believes that a national, multifaceted program should be developed to address childhood drowning. The Campaign is working toward launching a fully sponsored national initiative to address all forms and causes of childhood drowning. This initiative, involving multiple partners, will educate parents and caregivers using key lifesaving messages. Visit the National SAFE KIDS Web site again soon to learn more about the launch of our national water safety program!

How You Can Help:
 
Children under 4 are especially high risk. It takes only an inch of water and a few moments for  a child to drown. It could happen in a bathtub, "kiddie pool," toilet bowl, bucket, or fishpond.
 
Use the information on this page to learn about laws that currently exist to protect children in your state from water hazards.
 
Advocate for a law requiring isolation fencing around residential pools, or enhancement of personal flotation device laws, in your state or community.
 
Offer to be a "water watcher" at your community beach or pool. Watch this Web site for more information.
 
Join your 'local SAFE KIDS coalitions efforts to prevent childhood drownings.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:

How can we make sure that our pool is safe?
 
The pool should be surrounded by four-sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high, and equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates.
 
Adults should be on hand at all times to supervise and should know CPR. Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency number poolside. NEVER leave a child unsupervised in or around a swimming pool, even for a second.
 
It's also important to remember that pool covers are not designed to prevent children from drowning. Keep water from collecting on the pool cover surface, and more importantly, watch children even around a pool that's covered.
 
When should my child start swimming lessons?
 
Wait until your child is four years old to start swimming lessons.  Children under age four are more likely to develop infections from swallowing too much water.
 
However, parents can get started earlier with classes in which kids keep their heads above water.  In either case, make sure that the instructor is certified by Red Cross or YMCA standards.
 
Never assume your child is "drown-proof." Even though your child may have learned to swim, she still needs constant supervision