Tuscaloosa Leader

According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths globally, resulting in an estimated 236,000 fatalities annually. Additionally, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance advocates for five “layers of protection” to prevent pool drownings. 

The Five Layers of Drowning Prevention: 

1. Barriers and alarms

70% of child drowning happens during non-swim times. According to the CDC, a four-sided isolation fence that separates the pool area from the house and yard reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83%. Consider the following when building a pool: property fencing, four-sided fencing, fence height, gates and latches, fence maintenance, water level protection and house alarms.

2. Supervision

Supervision is critical to prevent drowning, especially when it comes to young children. Parents and caregivers must be vigilant and maintain constant attention when children are near water to prevent accidents. 

3. Water competency and skills to survive

A lack of swimming skills and water safety education increases the risk of pool drowning. Teaching individuals basic swimming skills, such as floating and treading water, and educating them about water safety practices significantly reduces the risk of drowning incidents. The NDPA recommends swimming lessons as early as age one. Research shows that children ages 1 to 4 can reduce drowning risk by up to 88% when enrolled in lessons. 

4. Life Jackets

The NDPA encourages children to always wear a life jacket when around open and natural bodies of water. For open bodies of water, always make sure life jackets have been U.S. Coast Guard tested. 

5. Emergency Preparation 

Although following these guidelines helps prevent disaster, it's also important to be emergency ready. Here are some ways to prepare for accidents: keep a phone poolside, learn and practice CPR, enroll in water safety courses and practice with rescue equipment. 

Implementing these layers of pool drowning prevention requires collective action and a commitment to safeguarding lives. By focusing on improving pool fencing and barriers, promoting active adult supervision, increasing access to swimming lessons and water safety education, understanding life jacket use and preparing for emergencies, we can make significant strides in preventing pool drowning incidents.  

Original source can be found here