MCFRS News Release
Pool Safety
In the past few years there have been several drowning incidents in Montgomery County. There were many other near-drowning events, as well. Nationally, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 14 and under, taking nearly 1,000 children s lives each year. For every drowning, it is estimated that there are four near-drowning that result in hospitalization.
Community and Residential Pool Safety Tips
- Take Swimming lessons and learn CPR. Play it safe around water.
- Stay out if there is no lifeguard or grown-up around.
- Swim only when rested.
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Young children should always swim with an adult.
- Never eat candy or chew gum when you are swimming - you could choke.
- Get out of the water, and seek appropriate shelter, if you hear thunder or see lightening.
- Do not mess around! Running, pushing, or shoving people can cause serious injury to you or your friends.
- Follow posted rules.
- Always raise your hands over your head when diving.
- Consider water wings or other similar flotation devices for young children.
- Regularly check that the gate latches securely and that the spring mechanisms work properly.
- Do not allow children to play in the pool area.
- Remove all toys or anything a child might want to get from the vicinity.
- Post the 911 emergency number in the pool area.
- Keep lifesaving equipment, such as a pole, life preserver and rope in the pool area. Hang them from a fence or wall so people will not trip on them.
- Have a phone handy in the pool area. DO NOT answer the phone while your children are in the pool; use the phone only in emergencies to call 911.
- NEVER leave children unattended in the pool area. In the time it takes to sign for a package at your front door (4 to 6 minutes), a child submerged in the pool can sustain permanent brain damage.
- Encourage your neighbors with pools to follow pool safety guidelines, including keeping their back gates and doors locked, and their pool gates secure.
- When at a Public/Community pool adults should always supervise their children even with a lifeguard present.
Montgomery County residents can call the Pool Safety Hotline for a free evaluation of residential swimming pool. MCFRS Residential Pool Safety Hotline 240.777.2239
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