McCabe Group Insurance Services Offers Tips For Keeping Children Safe
FACT: There are about 260 drowning deaths of children younger than 5 each year in swimming pools
FACT: An estimated 2,725 children are treated annually in hospital emergency rooms for pool submersion injuries – mostly in residential pools.
FACT: Between 2004 and 2006, CPSC received 47 reports of deaths of children related to inflatable pools
– U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
It’s that time of year again – we’re heading into the “dog days” of summer. With hotter days ahead, swimming pools will become even more popular with families and friends looking to cool off from the intense summer heat. Unfortunately, swimming pools, large and small, can also be the site of injuries and accidental deaths for children.
A pool is a wonderful play area for the whole family, as long as it is kept safe. In addition to the fences required in many communities, pool owners should also consider creating layers of protection around the pool. “This means setting up as many barriers as possible so that children do not get into the pool area when not in use,” says owner Andrew McCabe, “This would include installing door alarms, locks and safety covers to help prevent accidents.”
Be Safe Around the Pool this Summer!
Pool owners should also be aware of the liability they may face should someone become injured in or around the water. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your insurance agent to make sure you carry proper homeowners coverage and that your policy is updated to cover the added value of any improvements or additions to your property.
In addition to providing barriers and constant supervision, McCabe and The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers these tips to help prevent accidental drowning deaths:
- Since every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool first. Precious time is often wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool.
- Don’t leave toys and floats in the pool that can attract young children and cause them to fall in the water when they reach for the items.
- For above-ground and inflatable pools with ladders, remove or secure the ladder when the pool is not in use.
- Even if children can swim, the possibility of an accidental drowning still exists. Always supervise children using the pool.
For more information on this and other safety topics, give McCabe Group a call at 414-961-1166.