Winter Vacations and Water Safety: Don't Sacrifice Safety for Fun at the Beach or Pool

With many people flocking to warm sunny beaches for vacations this winter, it is a good time to think about water safety. Drowning is the second most common cause of accidental childhood deaths. At least half of the 8,000 people who drown in the United States each year are children. About one in six survivors of near-drownings suffer lasting brain injuries. Most drowning and near-drowning victims are younger children who cannot swim and fall into swimming pools, rivers or lakes while playing.

Here are some precautions to take to prevent tragedy:

--Protect pools by fences with self-latching, locked gates. Fences should be at least 5 feet high and constructed of a material that children cannot climb. Chain-link fence does not safely bar children from pools, since its mesh provides perfect holds for small feet to climb. If possible, covers sturdy enough to keep children from the water also should be used.

--If the fence does not separate the pool from the house, windows and doors leading from the home to the pool should be locked. Trees, bushes or other objects that block the view of the pool from house windows should be removed.

--Rescue equipment - a long-handled hook or a plastic-foam ring on a rope should be kept handy at poolside. Easily used ladders or steps should be situated at each end of the pool.

--A cell phone and emergency telephone numbers should be available at poolside or just inside a nearby door.

--Children must be constantly supervised when playing in or near the water. During pool parties or group outings, it's a good idea for adults to take turns as designated monitors to ensure that all parents who are present do not assume at the same time that someone else is watching.

--Parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); classes are offered by numerous organizations and require only a few hours of time.

--If a child is found in danger in water, rescuers should use a life buoy, rope or pole to pull the child to safety. Do not enter the water unless absolutely necessary; the shock of cold water or poor swimming abilities can put the rescuer at risk as well.