CPSC Warns Backyard Pools Can Be a Fatal Attraction to Toddlers<BR>
Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death to Children Under 5
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2001
Release # 01-168
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
CPSC Warns Backyard Pools Can Be a Fatal Attraction to Toddlers
Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death to Children Under 5
WASHINGTON, D.C. - About 350 children under 5-years-old drown in pools
each year nationwide, and over half of these incidents occur in June,
July and August. Among unintentional injuries, drowning is the second
leading cause of death to this age group after motor vehicle incidents.
Another 2,600 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year
for near-drowning incidents. Most of these cases involve residential
pools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to
reduce the number of children drowning this summer.
Many people assume that, at a residence with a pool, the danger of
drowning occurs only when the family is outside or using the pool. But,
a common scenario takes place when young children leave the house
without a parent or caregiver realizing it. Children are drawn to water,
not knowing the terrible danger pools can pose.
"Drowning happens quickly and silently, often without any splashing or
screaming," said CPCS Chairman Ann Brown. "It can occur in just the
couple of minutes it takes to answer the telephone."
The key to preventing these tragedies is to have layers of
protections. This includes placing barriers around your pool to prevent
access, using pool alarms, closely supervising your child and being
prepared in case of an emergency. CPSC offers these tips to prevent
drowning:
Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed
completely around the pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-
latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.
If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors
leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that
produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
A power safety cover -- a motor-powered barrier that can be placed
over the water area -- can be used when the pool is not in use.
Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside
with emergency numbers posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) can be a lifesaver.
For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be
secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.
If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count
in preventing death or disability.
Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool
alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool
covers. CPSC advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so the
alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the
pool area.
CPSC offers three free publications consumers can use to help
prevent child drowning: "Safety Barrier Guidelines for Pools," "How to
Plan for the Unexpected" and "Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making
Pools and Spas Safer." Copies of these publications can be obtained
here on CPSC's website,
or by writing to "Pool Safety", CPSC, Washington, D.C., 20207.
