|
|
Once the waters warmed up in Southwest Florida, the swimming season got off to a
scary start. Michele King works with the Child Advocacy Program at the
Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. She says within a period of only two
weeks they treated, “seven children under the age of five who nearly drowned in
swimming pools. They were admitted to our hospital and treated and luckily all
seven were released without any long term injuries.” Local hospitals see the
most near drowning or swimming related accidents between April and September.
But the high number of incidents so early in the season was unusual. “That’s
more than usual in that period of time. Having such a large number in such a
short period of time was pretty alarming,” says Michelle. Emergency officials
say parents should look at the recent near-drownings as an example of how
quickly and easily and accident can happen.“ The well intentioned parent
believes they’re supervising their kids but children still can slip out of your
sight so those are examples of why we need layers of protection,” says Michele.
Layers of protection can include putting locks and alarms on the doors leading
into your pool area. It’s also advised that you install an isolation fence
around your pool especially if you have toddlers or small children. Michele
says, “You don’t hear them necessarily and that’s why you need those layers of
protection and they go missing they’ll never make it all the way to the water.”
When children are swimming it’s important to designate one person whose only
responsibility is to make sure the swimmers are safe. Emergency officials also
say if you can’t find your child it’s important to always check the pool area
first. |
|
|
|
