[Durham INC] FW: [durham_county_news_release] Durham County News Release

[Pat Carstensen]

From: lists at co.durham.nc.us
To: pats1717 at hotmail.com
Subject: [durham_county_news_release] Durham County News Release
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:26:22 -0400


    


        
    
    
        
        Summer Awareness Series – Swimming Pool Safety

        

        
        
        
        
        Durham, NC.– Summer is here with its warm weather providing a host of pleasurable opportunities. Durham County Government’s “Summer Awareness Series” will supply helpful tips on a wide array of topics to ensure that you have the most enjoyable summer experience possible. 
         
        Each bulletin will cover a different topic. The topic for today is “Swimming Pool Safety”.
         
        Over four million swimming pools exist in the United States today. While they provide great fun for families, they also offer opportunities to exercise more caution to prevent danger. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that this year alone almost 50,000 persons will require hospital emergency room treatment for accidents associated with pools. Furthermore, CPSC’s latest data reveal that nearly 300 children five years or younger drown in pools and spas each year, and more than 3,000 suffer pool or spa-related injuries requiring attention at hospital emergency rooms.
         
        On December 19, 2008, the Pool and Spa Safety Act went into effect. The law requires that all public pools and spas have anti-entrapment drain covers. These covers help prevent drowning deaths by body entrapment by covering the powerful suction holes found in pools and spas. While this law only applies to public pools, it may be worthwhile to check that your residential pool has a safety feature like this. Here are several other things you can do to ensure the safety of those in your pool.
        

        Safety Tips
        
            Barriers—A fence that separates your house from the pool is recommended. The fence enclosing the pool should be at least 4 feet high. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your child's reach. Additionally, a power safety cover that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) may add to your child’s protection. 
        
        
            Learn to Swim—Both children and adults who are around swimming pools should learn to swim as soon as possible. Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water. 
        
        
            Supervision—Ensure competent adult supervision when the pool is in use, and it is best if that adult knows CPR. Practice “touch supervision” with children younger than 5 years. This means that the adult is within an arm's length of the child at all times. Also, when supervising children, refrain from alcohol use and taking medications. Never allow children to swim alone; in fact, even adults should never swim alone. 
            Enforce Pool Rules—Do not allow running, reckless diving, or horseplay. Never push others into the pool. When using water slides, always go feet first. Caution pool users to be aware of other swimmers in the area before diving or sliding. 
        
        
            Dangerous Equipment— Keep electrical appliances such as radios out of the pool area because of the hazard of electrical shock. 
            First Aid— Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool. Do not use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for approved life vests. Teach children what to do in case of emergency. Perhaps install an alarm bell that could summon help close by. 
            Proper Clean Up—After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it. Remove all toys from the pool after use so children are not tempted to reach for them. 

            
        
         
        Preventing pool mishaps is as easy as being aware of the dangers and preparing accordingly. These safety tips should provide the information you need to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable pool experience.
        For more information, please visit the CSPC’s website: www.poolsafety.gov. To report pool hazards and pool-related injuries, call the toll-free safety hotline: 800-638-2772.
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