The following is an extract from a press release by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and it is worthwhile reading for all parents:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As children across America go back-to-school, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Home Safety Council (HSC), a Pool Safely campaign partner, are releasing a snapshot on drowning incidents for the 2010 summer swimming season.
On average, more than 200 children younger than 15 drown in pools or spas between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Media reports suggest that this year, unfortunately, has been no different. “The 2010 Pool Safely Summer Snapshot on Pool Safety in the United States” indicates that at least 172 children younger than 15 have drowned since Memorial Day weekend, according to media reports collected nationwide. In addition, there have been more than 180 non-fatal incidents involving children in pools and spas, according to media accounts. With such a high number of child drownings and non-fatal incidents, CPSC and HSC are calling for added vigilance at pools and spas this Labor Day weekend and beyond.
2010 Summer Snapshot
More than 350 Child Drownings and Non-Fatal Incidents Since Memorial Day Weekend
California