Water safety experts are sharing tips on how to try avoiding drowning situations after a Cambria County child died drowning in a pool.
While emergencies in the pool are not always avoidable, team leader of the Cambria County Swift Water Rescue Team Rickey Price said making sure you have a plan in case of emergency is key for families with a swimming pool. He said part of that plan is being educated on water safety.
Having device that would allow someone to pull a victim to safety in a designated spot that everyone knows about in case something happens is a must according to Price.
He said there are throw bags that families can buy if they would like, but something as simple as a pool cleaning stick or a flotation device with a rope tied to it also works.
Price adds that someone should always be on the outside of the pool watching, especially if children are in the water.
“Everybody thinks, ‘The pool is great, nothing bad can happen. It’s always a good day to play in the water.’ But let’s make it a great day to play in the water by keeping everybody safe and getting education out there because it’s 11(drowning deaths) per day. Kids one to four years of age have the highest drowning rate in the United States,So, the more education we can get out there to open parents and families’ eyes for safety, the better off we’re going to be and prevent tragedies out there because it can happen at a moment’s notice.”
Swimming lessons for anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer, is something “everyone should have”
“Swimming is a life skill, Obviously, we want everybody to be safe and the sooner that they learn swimming the better.”
She said at the YMCA swim lessons are offered every six weeks to people as young as six months old. Swick adds that adult and family lessons will begin in the fall.
“The most important thing when you learn to swim is they learn that if they fall in, they’re able to float and then get back out,”
Another suggestion is a gate or pool alarm that could alert others of a possible drowning situation. Price said those are available for in ground and above ground pools.
Price said you can reach out to the rescue team or the YMCA for more assistance on making your pool safer.
