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Drowning Prevention ABC&D

May 23, 2013 Chris Courtney
Drowning is a serious issue in Clark County because of the access to pools at all times of the year. The typical drowning victim is age 4 and younger and doesn't make any noise when slipping into the pool to go after a toy or other object. To keep your child safe near water, remember the ABC & D's of drowning prevention: Adult Supervision, Barriers, Classes, and Devices. Adult Supervision ◦Always designate an adult to watch children around the pool or spa ◦Always know where your children are when you are inside your house   Barriers ◦Put a 60" tall, non-climbable fence around the pool with a self-closing gate ◦Use a power-operated pool cover ◦Put alarms on back doors and windows so you know when they have been opened   Classes ◦Take a CPR and rescue techniques class ◦Have your child take swimming classes, but know that does not make him or her drown-proof   Devices ◦Keep a phone by the pool and child's bathtub at all times ◦Keep other rescue tools, like a shepherd's hook and lifesaving ring, by the pool at all times ◦have non-swimmers wear personal flotation devices (life jackets, not arm floaties) near all bodies of water   Other Drowning Safety Tips ◦Never leave a back door open if your pool doesn't have a fence ◦Drain kiddie pools after every use ◦Always look immediately in the pool when your child is missing ◦Never leave your child alone in the bathtub ◦Always remove toys from the pool after playing in the pool and store them securely away   For more information visit www.Safekidsclarkcounty.org