KSHB 41: Tips for keeping kids safe at pools, lakes

Pool

Every year thousands of kids in the area flock to pools or the lake, in order to beat the summer heat.

But every year, several kids end up in the emergency room for accidental drowning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States from 2005 to 2014 - about 10 deaths a day.

The CDC says drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children.

"It is very easy to drown in a pool, in a spa, bathtub, even a bucket of water," said Amy Terreros, program manager for Children's Mercy's Center for Childhood Safety.

And it can happen in seconds - without a splash or a call for help.

"It is usually a very silent drowning or death," said Terreros. "Even an avid swimmer can drown."

To prevent accidental drowning, experts say to use "layers of protection."

Supervision 

• Always know where your child is
• Designate a 'water watcher' to actively watch children in the pool or water
• Make your child get permission before jumping in the water
• Do not use a floatation device as a substitute for supervision

Swimming Lessons 

• Never consider a child or adult to be 'drown-proof' because they had lessons
• Find instructors who are currently certified in CPR
• Take lessons year-round

Barriers For Swimming Pools  

• Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, with latches at least 54 inches from the ground
• Fences should be at least 60 inches tall

Pool Alarms:

• Alert you to when someone or something disturbs surface of pool or removes cover
• Several options include: buoy alarms that float on water, alarms that attach on side of pool and alarms that go on pool gate

See the full story via KSHB 41.

Learn more about the Center for Childhood Safety at Children's Mercy.