~ Learn the layers of protection ~
The Florida Department of Health reminds Floridians to practice pool safety by using the layers of protection this summer. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4. The campaign aims to educate residents and visitors in order to prevent childhood drowning in our state.
“Swimming in a pool is a great way to escape the summer heat while being active,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “It’s essential that swimmers and water watchers learn about the layers of protection.”
Pool time can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to incorporate safety with the use of layers of protection to prevent a fun summer day from becoming an emergency. The layers include: supervision, barriers and emergency preparedness as a safety net, keeping a child safe and helping to prevent a drowning.
* SUPERVISION
Supervision, the first and most crucial layer of protection, means someone is always actively watching when a child is in the pool. For children ages 1–4, the majority of drownings occur in residential swimming pools.
* BARRIERS
A child should never be able to enter a pool area unaccompanied by a guardian. Barriers physically block a child from the pool. Barriers include child-proof locks on all doors, a pool fence with self-latching and self-closing gates, as well as door and pool alarms. Pool covers may also be used but make sure it is a professional cover, fitted for your pool. A simple canvas covering can be a drowning hazard and entrap a child in the water.
* EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The moment a child stops breathing, there is a small window of time in which resuscitation may occur, but only if someone knows what to do. Even if you’re not a parent, it’s important to learn CPR. The techniques are easy to learn and can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby and immediately call 911.
The Department of Health recommends, at a minimum, using a combination of the barriers described above to help ensure your pool is equipped with approved safety features.