Communities all over Florida hold safety events to teach children and inexperienced swimmers about the dangers of swimming pools. The events are geared toward preventing drowning and other swimming related accidents while encouraging people to enjoy the benefits of the water. Florida has no shortage of pools, beaches and water attractions, and these events are simply intended to help people be safe so they can enjoy these opportunities to the fullest.
One such event is being held in Pine Island this weekend. The 3rd Annual Pine Island Pool Health and Safety Fair presents important information about pool safety and helps parents take the proper steps to protect their children. Among the most important things parents can do is to sign their children up for swimming lessons. A child who does not know how to swim is always in danger around water. While swimming lessons do not end the need for vigilance around pools, it gives children an important tool in staying safe in water.
The Florida Department of Health reported 64 deaths by drowning among children between 1 and 4 in 2011. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of 5 in this state and there are reasons to believe drowning deaths are underreported. Clearly, more needs to be done to ensure that children are kept safe from the hazards posed by swimming pools.
The most important thing any parent or swimming pool owner can do is make sure that children are not ever left in or near a pool untended. Fences and alarms can deter children from wandering into a pool area without supervision. Basic lifesaving training is also vital for pool owners and anyone charged with maintaining the safety of children around water.
Source: Pine Island Eagle, “Pool health, safety fair Saturday,” by Meghan McCoy, 10 April 2013
