A Child Drowns Every Five Days, Study Finds

With temperatures set to be in the triple-digits this week, many families will try to beat the heat by taking a few laps in their pool. But for families without a pool, it means going to a community center or better yet purchasing a portable pool for their children. After all, portable pools are accessible and affordably priced at many merchandisers from and to .

Unfortunately, during this practical decision-making and procurement process, parents sometimes forget that portable pools can be potential drowning hazards. Perhaps because there’s more stigma associated with drowning occurring in built-in pools, or at lakes or rivers.

But a child dies every five days during warmer months, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The culprit: portable pools. There were 209 deaths from 2001 to 2009, according to the research, 94 percent of those unfortunate victims being children under age 5.

This is why active adult supervision is No. 1, said Jim Owens, Safe Kids Coordinator of Placer County. Safe Kids is a nonprofit organization hosted at the that focuses on educating the community on various child safety topics like poison prevention and helmet protection.

Owens also recommends that children receive swimming lessons at age 4.

Kids, however, aren’t the only victims of drowning in portable pools. An autopsy report in late June revealed that a Georgia man drowned in a kiddie pool after an accidental falling.This incident reinforces that residents should always take precaution when dealing with water.

Safe Kids will be hosting a helmet distribution and life jacket clinic in Auburn from 9 a.m. to noon July 21 for individuals seeking to be educated on these topics.

So while your kids are splish splashing during the summer months, remember to remain vigilant. Educate yourself and your kids -- it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Keep your eyes on your kids at all time,” Owens said.

Water Safety Tips:

• Teach kids to never swim alone.
• Actively watch kids when they’re in water. Don’t leave even for a moment.
• Empty wading pools as soon as kids are out of it.
• Sign up kids for swimming lessons at a young age.
• Teach kids water safety tips.

Source: Safekids.org