With swimming weather upon us again, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is once more reminding parents of the serious risks pools pose to children. Drowning is a leading cause of death among American children younger than five and an average of 350 children drown each year. About 2,600 more are treated in hospitals after near-drowning's-some suffering severe, permanent injuries such as brain damage. The CPSC advises parents to deploy around their backyard pool a system of safeguards including barriers, alarms on doors leading to the pool and pool covers. The group also recommends keeping rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers near the pool and knowing CPR. For more information on child pool safety (and on diving safety), view this CPSC publication.
Michels & Lew is a proud supporter of the Drowning Prevention Foundation.