As summer approaches and temperatures rise, pool safety becomes a critical concern for families. Anna Duran, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer at The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital, emphasizes that drowning is often quick and silent, contrary to the dramatic portrayals seen in media.
"On TV we see people thrashing around because they're going to drown, and that's not really how it looks," Duran stated. "Drowning is quick and quiet."
Duran has witnessed numerous cases where a seemingly fun day at the pool ended in tragedy. She highlights that children are naturally curious and attracted to water but often do not comprehend the associated risks.
“Children are natural wanderers; they are exploring their environment. Pool water is inviting. Kids love their bath time, they love playing in the pool, and they don't understand the risk,” she explained.
The danger increases when children are near unfamiliar pools. “Those are really the ones that come to my mind,” Duran said. “It wasn't their own pool, but they were visiting somebody who had a pool, and it just takes seconds for that child to slip away. It’s heartbreaking. It’s preventable.”
To ensure safety during pool season, Duran offers several key recommendations:
1. **Swim Lessons & Water Safety Conversations**: Nationally, about 1,000 children die from drowning annually in the U.S., with half of these victims under four years old. Swim lessons can significantly reduce this risk by up to 88% for young children. Additionally, parents should educate their children on water safety as rigorously as other daily precautions.
2. **Designate an Undistracted Watcher**: Even skilled swimmers need supervision. Designating a focused adult watcher who avoids distractions like phones is crucial.
3. **Know CPR**: In drowning incidents, every second counts. Knowing CPR can be lifesaving while waiting for emergency services.
4. **Above Ground Pool Safety**: Above ground pools also pose significant risks despite being more affordable alternatives to inground pools. Using covers and removing ladders when not in use can prevent unsupervised access by children.
5. **Life Jackets Over Floaties**: Traditional floatation devices such as arm floaties or swim tubes should not replace life jackets which provide better safety assurance.
6. **Fencing & Maintenance**: Proper fencing with self-closing gates around any type of pool is essential for security. Regular maintenance checks on filtration systems and other components ensure continued safety throughout the year.
Duran concludes by stressing the importance of balancing fun with vigilance: “Water is great. Water is fun,” she said.“We want our children to have fun and to appreciate the joys of swimming, but we also want them to do it safely.”
