Health Feature Articles
Before jumping in with the kids, complete a pool safety check
Robert Thomas, Information Specialist, Extension & Ag Information, University of Missouri
Each year about 300 children nationwide under the age of
5 drown in swimming pools—most often a pool owned by the
family, said Karen Funkenbusch, MU Safety Specialist.
“A child can drown in less time than it takes to
answer the telephone,” she said. “The number one thing
to keep in mind is there is no substitution for
supervision. Never leave a child alone in a pool or spa
for even one second.”
During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a
designated watcher to protect young children from pool
accidents. Adults can take turns. Instruct babysitters
about potential pool hazards.
If a child is missing, check the pool first. “Seconds
can be critical,” Funkenbusch said. “Don’t consider
young children to be drown-proof because they had
swimming lessons.”
Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for
supervision. Many of these devices are only toys, she
said. Make sure your pool is equipped with proper rescue
equipment that includes a ring buoy with an attached
line or a long-handled hook.
Keep chairs, tables and toys away from the pool or
spa fence to keep children from using them to climb
over. Install a phone near the pool so that you can
answer it without leaving the pool area, Funkenbusch
recommended.
Always remove a pool or spa cover completely before
use to avoid the possibility of anyone being trapped and
drowning under the cover.
Make sure your pool is surrounded by a properly
latched or locked fence or barrier. Lock doors to limit
access to the pool. Doors leading to a pool should also
have audible alarms.
Drowning is a silent killer. There often is no
splashing or calling out to alert someone that a child
is in trouble, she said.
Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Baby
sitters and other caretakers should also learn CPR.
Source: Karen Funkenbusch (573) 882-2731
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Last Updated 04/25/2008
