A swimming pool in the yard can present a very dangerous area for children. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under five in Arizona, and over a dozen other states. For every drowning there are eleven near drowning incidents, according to government statistics; many of which result in totally disabling brain damage. If you have a pool in your yard, protect your children by observing the following (among many) suggestions:
Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
Don’t be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations. If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you, making sure the pool gate latches securely when it closes. During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a “designated watcher” to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the “watcher.” When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.
Post rules such as:
“No running”, “No pushing”, “No dunking”
and “Never swim alone.”
Enforce the rules.
Instruct baby sitters about potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of protective devices, such as door alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constant supervision. Be sure the person watching your child knows how to swim, to get emergency help and to perform CPR.
If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface.
Install a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. The fence should be 5-feet high and completely surround the pool. The fence must completely separate the pool from the house and the play area of the yard. Use self-closing gates that self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach. Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier. After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can’t get back into it.
Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Remove the cover completely. Place tables, chairs and other objects well away from the pool fence to prevent children from using them to climb into the pool area.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd’s crook or rescue tube) and a telephone with emergency numbers noted by the pool. Avoid air-filled “swimming aids” because they are not a substitute for approved life vests and can be dangerous should they deflate. Keep toys out of and away from the pool area when not in use. Young children playing with or reaching for toys could accidentally fall in the water.
Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in the water.
Don’t assume that drowning or a drowning incident couldn’t happen to you or your family.
These suggestions are for the parents to read and comprehend even if you cannot attend any of our training programs. Please don’t keep room for regret later. DO NOT allow any room for “silly mistakes”.
SWIM SAFE TRAINING DAYS,
VENUES AND PROGRAM
Swim Safe Day 2005
First Event
Saturday, May 14, 2005
at Harmon Pool
1239 South 5th Avenue (Next to Phoenix Memorial Hospital)
Noon - 4:00pm
Second Event
Saturday, May 21, 2005
at Holiday Pool
5625 W. Osborn (67th Avenue near Indian School)
Noon - 4:00pm
- The children will be able to have a very close look at one of the City of Phoenix Fire Engines.
- The Phoenix Fire Department will provide CPR and lifesaving training.
- Water and Swim Safety Skills will be provided by the Phoenix Aquatics Department.
- We are planning to award scholarships to provide swim classes to 500 children.
- Small bags of gifts which will include a Drink Certificate with courtesy of Peter Piper Pizza, snacks and beverages for the children.
Swim Safe Day Program was initiated several years ago, as we all were terrified with the news of children drowning at their swimming pools.
Swimming can be fun and creates much enthusiasm in the minds of our children. However, if they are not properly educated of the importance of safety and have not been trained what to do at the time of an emergency at the pool, we will continue to witness such horrendous incidents in our neighborhoods. We must, one and all, ARISE to do something about this imminent danger to our children.
Swim Safe Day Program is designed to train not only the children but also their
parents or guardians.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Please donate your time and energies as a volunteer.
We shall be also very thankful for your generous donation. More help we can get, more successful we shall become in proving this extremely urgent water safety training to our risk families and their children in Arizona.
How to donate!
- Mail a check.
- Deposit at M&I Bank, #: 0023040776
- Pay by www.paypal.com
- Cash donations: Please call to arrange authorized pick up.
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