Active supervision by the pool can prevent a tragedy

Most drownings happen quickly and silently – but often with people nearby. Susan Helms, director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South, strongly urges parents and adult caregivers to designate a "Water Watcher" by the pool, spa or any body of water. This responsible adult will assume the role of actively watching any child in or near the water. A short phone call, text message or other simple distraction is all it takes for a tragedy to happen.

Here are some other pool and spa tips:

LOCK

• Put up a fence that is at least 4 feet high and surrounds all side of the pool or spa. The fence should have a gate that closes and latches itself.
• Use door, gate and pool alarms.
• Teach children not to play or swim near pool or spa drains.
• Use approved safety drain covers and back up devices.

LOOK

• Always actively watch children in or near water.
• Watch them even if they know how to swim.
• Children who can’t swim or can’t swim well should be within your reach.
• Keep a phone near you- to use only if you need to call for help.
• If a child is missing, look in the pool or spa first.

LEARN

• Both adults and children should learn to swim.
• Learn when to use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
• Learn how to use rescue equipment.
• Lear CPR.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Most children were being watched by an adult juts before they drowned.
• Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children.
• Approximately 400 children age 14 and younger drown each year in pools or spas.
• Home swimming pools are the most common place for a child younger than 5 to drown