This has been one extra-hot summer, and a dip in the pool sounds great. It can be, especially for the kids, but swimming and playing in the pool can also turn tragic in seconds. So far this summer, we’ve had no drowning incidents in Brea, according the Orange County Fire Authority. But countywide, there have been 22 water-related incidents, including eight in swimming pools, six in the ocean or bay and seven in bathtubs.
Where there is water, there is the possibility of a drowning. I know that sounds harsh, but an infant or child can drown in a few inches of water.
It is so preventable with thoughtful caution.
With swimming pools, if there are kids in the pool, you need a responsible adult, who can swim, to be the water watcher.
The water watch must do just that. Watch the water and do nothing else. No checking emails or texting, but have a phone handy in case of an emergency. No chatting with someone who “just wants to keep you company.” And no drinking anything stronger than iced tea.
Water watchers must be willing to do nothing but watch the kids and adults in the pool. It only takes seconds for a young child to go under and drown.
Brea used to have Water Watcher tags, but you can make your own for the water watcher to hang around his neck. A good reminder of his duty.
Last week at the Brea Plunge. a young child had a medical incident in the pool during free swimming time. A lifeguard was on duty. The child was immediately pulled out of the pool, according to Assistant City Manager Chris Emeterio, who said the Brea Fire Department first responders were there moments later. Said Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe, “Because of quick action by all concerned, there was a happy ending.”
If you own a pool or spa, you should make pool safety a priority by having the pool or spa fenced in and self-closing with a latch beyond a child’s reach. According the OCFA, alarms and pool covers are no substitutes for an at least 4-foot-high fence that junior can’t climb over. A responsible pool owner keeps a life preserver, shepherd’s hook and CPR instruction within easy reach. And, of course you should know CPR and first aid.
If not, there are classes available through the American Red Cross and other local sources.
When the baby or a child is suddenly missing, make the pool or spa the first, not the last, place you look. That is something to emphasize to your child’s caretaker or baby sitter.
Pool safety is also important for the elderly. And no one, regardless of age and swimming ability should ever swim alone. Swim with the family; you’ll have more fun.
Check out ocgov.com for more pool safety information, or stop by National Night Out from 4 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 at the Brea Marketplace. Bring the kids to meet Brea’s police and fire personnel, the SWAT team and K-9 units. There will be finger painting, face painting, free food, safety information and giveaways.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at daxoncomm@earthlink. net.
