New statistics released today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that fatal and nonfatal child drownings in pools and spas continue to pose a public health and safety challenge across the United States.
This year, through April 30 alone, there have been 46 media reported swimming pool and spa drownings of children under age 15, across 14 states. In 2014, there were 303 drownings for the same age group. An alarming 68% of those involved children under 5 years old.
New Jersey had three such deaths last year, while Pennsylvania had four. Delaware did not have a recorded drowning in 2014. Southern, warm-climate states of Florida, California, Texas, Arizona and Georgia led the list.
The latest data shows drowning remains leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4.
Elliot Kaye, Chairman of the CPSC, spoke at a news conference Thursday announcing the commencement of the Pool Safely Grant Program, an opportunity for state and local governments to apply for funds to support education and enforcement programs.
“With Memorial Day weekend marking the traditional opening of pools in many communities, we urge parents to remember a simple message: If you prevent unattended pool and spa access, you prevent many children from drowning,” said Chairman Kaye. “As a parent of two young children myself, I have mixed feelings about heading into the summer months. It is an exciting time with so many pools opening, but it is also a distressing time."
After its successful launch last summer, CPSC is again urging adults and kids to reaffirm their commitment to staying safer this swim season by taking the Pool Safely Pledge. So far, more than 11,000 adults and children have taken the Pledge to pool safely.
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“A day at the pool should be a fun family activity, and safe," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz said. "I hope all parents take time before summer begins to learn about common hazards, have a conversation with their kids, and take the appropriate measures to keep them safe around the pool."
Laura Metro, whose son Clay suffered a 2011 nonfatal drowning at a community swimming pool, also spoke on the matter. “Following the simple water safety steps outlined in the Pledge may truly save a child’s life,” said Metro. “Because a friend at the scene of my son’s drowning started CPR, one of the key commitments in the Pledge, Clay is still with us today.”
Memorial Day weekend represents the traditional start of the summer swim season. Follow these simple steps to keep children safer in and around the water:
• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your childrenaround all bodies of water.
• Designate someone to supervise children in the pool or spa. This person should not be reading, using a smartphone or be otherwise distracted.
• Learn how to swim and perform CPR
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments.
• Ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards, and if you do not know, ask your pool service provider about safe drain covers.
