Prevent Childhood Drownings this Summer
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among Clark County children aged 1-4 years. With more than 100,000 residential swimming pools and 5,000 public pools in Clark County, the drowning risk for young children is ever present. We want to remind the public to always keep these key steps in mind to prevent drownings:
1. Patrol -Always designate an adult Water Watcher to actively watch children in the water, including pools, bathtubs, or other bodies of water.
2. Protect – Install barriers between your home and pool to ensure safety including fences, door alarms, locks and spa safety covers. Lock doggie doors children can’t crawl through them.
3. Prepare – Create a water safety plan for your family. Enroll children in swimming lessons, take adult CPR classes, and be sure to equip your pool with proper safety equipment including life jackets, personal floatation devices, and rescue tools. If an emergency happens, have a telephone nearby to call 9-1-1.
As summer heats up and pools and beaches become crowded, keep these tips in mind and share them with your loved ones. Help protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of unintentional drowning this season.
