MEDIA CONTACT:
Lori
Schmidt, Mobile 480-272-1710
LABOR DAY PROMPTS
WATER SAFETY REMINDER;
HOLIDAYS HIGH TIME
FOR DISTRACTIONS, DROWNINGS
As families prepare
to celebrate the last 3-day weekend of the summer, the Drowning Prevention
Coalition of Arizona stresses the importance of vigilance and layers of
protection.
“Distractions and
lack of barriers are the most common broken links in the injury prevention chain
for drownings,” says Melissa Sutton, President of the DPCA. “This is especially
true during holiday weekends. When adults are busy with guests, food preparation
and entertaining, children often find themselves with easy access to the
water.”
Another scenario
that’s common is multiple people poolside but no one watching the water. Adults
and children have drowned because everyone assumed someone would notice when
there’s trouble.
“Designating someone
to be guardian of the water can reduce the risk of drowning significantly in
pool party settings,” says Sutton. “Rotating that duty every 20 minutes between
sober, responsible adults who know how to swim can save the lives of those in
the water.”
A physical reminder
such as a lanyard, wristband or hat that can be exchanged between the
“lifeguards” can help. These materials can be obtained for free through the
DPCA.
Year-to-date drowning
numbers, as reported by the Children’s Safety Zone, indicate that Maricopa
County has experienced 44 deaths, including 13 peds, 1 children and 30
adults, resulting from 113 water-related incidents this year.
Maricopa County has experienced 5 child drownings this last week of August
alone.
“We hope to halt
these numbers through the end of the year,” Sutton says. “This can only be done
by adults taking responsibility for themselves and their families, and it starts
with this Labor Day weekend.”
The DPCA stresses
that families should take a 3-pronged approach to drowning prevention using the
ABC’s of Water Safety.
·
Adult
Supervision: Watch each other
around water. Neither adults nor children should swim alone. And if you lose
track of children, always check your water hazards first.
·
Barriers: Block access to
water hazards. Put fences around pools, use protective covers on spas, close
bathroom doors and dump out water buckets.
·
Classes and
Coast-Guard Approved Life Vests: Learn CPR and ensure
all family members know how to swim. Wear life vests in any water that is above
your swimming ability – especially on open water.
# #
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The Drowning
Prevention Coalition, a community based organization comprised of parents,
health and safety professionals and business leaders, exists to provide a forum
to prevent drowning and near drowning through the promotion of education,
legislative action and enhanced product safety. Check out our website at
www.preventdrownings.org for more
information.
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