Be Aware Of Pool And Water Safety, Howell Fire Bureau Urges

HOWELL, NJ — The Fire Bureau posted a safety reminder to residents: Continue to be cautious around the pool or swimming spot and always have a responsible, non-distracted adult present with any young children or non-swimmers who are near water.

"A lifeguard is a great resource, but not a replacement for your own eyes and diligence when it comes to your children," the bureau posted on the township police department's Facebook site.

It said that pools, lakes, lagoons, rivers or the ocean -anywhere with more than 2 inches of water - can quickly become a drowning incident.

Also, be diligent of any standing water in buckets, planters, car wash pails, etc. that can also be a hazard for young children, the bureau urges.

The bureau urges residents to view "It Only Takes A Minute" public service video presented by the Zionsville, Ind. Fire Department.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning kills 4,000 people in the United States each year, with many of these deaths occurring despite supervision, according to a previous Patch article.

A reported total of 14 drownings have occurred in New Jersey in the first few weeks of the 2022 summer season.

Following the string of fatalities, some New Jersey officials have called for water safety instruction to be made a mandatory component of the state Department of Education's health and physical education curriculum.

Following the closure of many pools last summer due to COVID-19, officials want to ensure that parents, caregivers, and children make water safety a top priority as they return to the water this year.

Here are six tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all:

1. Never swim alone: When children are swimming, make sure they are constantly supervised. Teach your children that they should only swim in areas where a lifeguard is on duty or where a responsible adult agrees to keep an unobstructed eye on the children in the water.
2. Keep an eye on your children whenever they are in or near water: Whether taking a bath or swimming in a pool or lake, keep your children within arm's reach at all times. Don't leave toys or floats in the pool when it's not in use. Kids may fall into the pool trying to reach them.
3. Practice pool safety measures: Surround your pool with a fence or other barrier. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends securing your pool with a 4-foot-high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
4. Don't play breath-holding games: Children should not hold their breath for an extended period of time while swimming, as this can result in drowning and has several other serious physical consequences.
5. Take swimming lessons: Swimming lessons and water safety classes can help reduce the risk of drowning. The ability of a child to float and turn their heads may mean the difference between life and death.
6. Wear a life jacket: When swimming in lakes or bodies of water with strong currents, inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

With reporting by Vianella Burns, Patch staff.