Close Calls Bring Safety to Mind

The pleasures of summer and the joys of having children around are part of the season that now unfolds this long weekend. But the season also reminds us of the dangers associated with having small children around pools and hot tubs. Indeed, sunny Orange County, with its extended months of good weather, led the nation last year with 15 child drownings and another 20 youngsters nearly drowned.

Each year authorities issue their important reminders, and these no doubt contribute to lives saved that fortunately never become statistics. However, somehow these cautionary advisories are not sufficient to prevent tragedy in some homes.

On one Sunday this month, three children nearly drowned in separate incidents.

One was revived after being found floating in a relative’s swimming pool.

Another was saved by a nearby resident after being removed from a hot tub.

A third, also in a hot tub, was administered CPR by his grandfather.

Some of these incidents point up the need for relatives who may be caring temporarily for young children to make their homes better suited to protect their young guests.

The parents of toddlers are likely to be more in practice because of their constant need to be protective, and anticipatory against household dangers. For grandparents and others, it is necessary to realize that a small child can disappear very quickly. A sliding glass door left unlocked or a pool unfenced can be an invitation to tragedy.

Capt. Scott Brown of the Orange County Fire Authority calls drowning the silent killer, and reiterates that it is important for parents to be certain that homes of relatives and caretakers are safe. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 8 years old or younger in the United States.

Some useful reminders include: keep pools fenced and gates latched at all times; keep a phone by the pool, both to avoid leaving children alone when the phone rings and to have immediate access to 911; put childproof locks on doors leading out to the pool area and use them.

For information on drowning prevention and free CPR classes, call (714) 744-0496. In Anaheim, call (714) 254-4022.