Swim safely all year round

It’s no surprise to any parent that swimming pools pose a threat to young children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, last year from Memorial Day through Labor Day at least 148 children younger than age 15 drowned in swimming pools or spas, though that is a 7 percent decrease from the previous year. The Safety Commission’s “Pool Safely” campaign recently released a list of steps for parents and caregivers to follow to keep children safe in and around water. It is important to designate an adult “water watcher” to supervise, as well as install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas. Also, learn how to swim and perform CPR, and teach your child how to swim and stay away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid getting trapped. To learn more, visit poolsafely.gov.