As the heat of summer returns, many families search for ways to entertain and cool themselves and friends. Backyard pools are popping up all over our beautiful town and with the fun comes the danger of accidental drowning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are an average of 390 deaths each year due to drowning in residential swimming pools and spas. Many of these drownings occurred in above ground pools. One in five of people who die from this type of accidental drowning is a child; and for every child that dies, 5 more receive emer-gency treatment for nonfatal submersion injury. Even these nonfatal submersion injuries can result in mild to severe levels of brain damage, memory loss, learning disabilities, permanent loss of basic functions and other long-term disabilities.
The Center for Disease Control lists drowning as responsible for more deaths among toddlers than any other cause with the exception of birth defects. Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates with most of these happening in backyard swimming pools. Reviewing statistics on children ages 1-14, drowning is the second-leading cause of death following motor vehicle crashes.
There are several factors that influence the risk of drowning in a backyard pool or spa: Swimming Ability, Pool Barriers, Supervision, and Alcohol Use. Participating in swimming lessons with a certified instructor could reduce the drowning risk of small children by teaching them survival techniques. Minimum Pool Barrier requirements include self-closing, locking gates on a fence with a height of at least 4 feet around any pool that is at least 18” deep. No openings in this fence can be of a size to allow a 4” sphere to pass through. Door alarms are a great addition to a barrier fence. Children should be supervised any time they are near water. This includes bathtubs, buckets, pools, spas, ponds, lakes, creeks, etc. Drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds for a child according to the US Army Corps of Engineers. Anyone responsible for supervising children around water should avoid alcohol use and any possible distraction. Alcohol may influence perception, balance, coordination, and judgment in a time of crisis.
If you choose to have a backyard pool, be sure to avoid the risk factors listed. Do not rely on someone else to protect the small children in our area; install and maintain a secure pool barrier and learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Store toys away from the pool and deck area. Keep rescue equipment near the pool. Do not use flotation devices in place of supervision.
If you have a question regarding regulations on backyard swimming pools or barrier fences, please call City Hall Code Enforcement at 580-875-3337.