May 20, 2004
Splash Into Safety This Summer
Study Shows nearly 9 out of 10 of children who drowned were being supervised

Drowning is a quick and silent killer. A recent study by the National Safe Kids Campaign showed that 88 percent of children who drowned were reportedly under the supervision of another person.

Remember: In the time it takes to...

* ... cross the room for a towel (10 seconds), a child can become > submerged.

* ... answer the phone (2 minutes), that child can lose consciousness.

* ... sign for a package (4-6 minutes), a submerged child can sustain permanent brain damage.

Drowning is the second leading injury-related cause of death among children up to age 14, killing more than 900 American children each year. According to the Texas Department of Health, about six Tarrant County residents drown each year.

"Water safety involves supervision, a safe environment, proper gear and education," explained Barbara Murph, Fort Worth outreach manager.

"Supervision cannot be every once in a while, it must be constant. We want kids to be active and enjoy swimming, but we want them to do it safely." Elmer DePaula, Fort Worth consumer health specialist, inspects public pools on a daily basis and said adults could also help by looking for and removing any hazards around water. "Parents and homeowners should monitor and inspect their pools and even consider attending Fort Worth's pool operator course, which teaches about pool safety," DePaula said.

The Fort Worth Public Health Department offers these water safety suggestions:

* Always monitor children closely when near any swimming pool, spa or body of water.

* Be sure pools are fenced and have self-closing gates with latches children cannot reach.

* Make sure rescue equipment, such as a pole, rope or life preserver is near the pool.

* Provide children with certified swimming lessons (recommend by the age of eight). However, do not consider children drown-proof because they had lessons.

* Do not rely on chlorination alone. Teach youngsters to keep pool water out of their mouths.

* Do not let children jump or dive into shallow water.

* Do not let children play with any pool drain or sit on a drain in a wading pool or tub.

* Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Seconds count in a water emergency.

The Fort Worth Public Health Outreach Division offers the Friends and Family CPR course focusing on basic CPR skills. For more information on the CPR > course contact (817) 871-6237.