Significance
Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death in children under age 14. In 2004, 761 children died of accidental drowning, according to the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007.
Types
Public pool safety has two major components: ensuring that the pool itself contains no hazardous drains, and ensuring that the area around the pool is supervised and secure.
Effects
Drain covers that comply with federal law reduce the risk of children becoming pinned or entangled. Certified lifeguards prevent drowning and other pool-related accidents, and securing the area wards off intruders at times when the pool is unsupervised.
Considerations
While the public generally recognizes the danger of drowning, most people fail to recognize the danger that drains present. According to Safe Kids USA, about two-thirds of parents know little or nothing about those hazards.
Prevention/Solution
Visit only pools that hire certified lifeguards and that comply with the federal safety standards set forth in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007. In addition, Safe Kids USA offers parents and guardians a printable and wearable tag reminding them to keep swimming children in sight at all times.
