Every Sunday, we will share a story of a non-fatal drowning, discuss where things went wrong, and give some pointers on how to prevent it from happening to the people you love. Thankfully, these stories have happy endings for those involved, but sadly, we lose too many people to drowning every year. We hope examining these real-life stories help put the dangers of water into perspective and help you introduce various principles of water safety to your family!
Today’s story highlights the saving of baby brother Landon from an unexpected pool emergence by his big sister Kaylee. 7 year old Kaylee noticed her 18month old brother had entered the water alone and jumped to the rescue.
This story could happen to any family across the world. Drownings happen every day and they occur quickly and silently. Children near water need constant supervision, even within the believed safety of their own backyard pool. What other steps can be taken to make the backyard safer?
Always have a fence. The fence should separate any yard play areas from pool swim areas. Children shouldn’t be taught to play in pool areas when it is not swim time.
Alarms and alert systems can be installed around pools to make them safer by notifying when unexpected entrances occur. Gates should be locked so that children need an adult to allow them into the pool area. Sensors can be added to pool areas to alert when the surface of the water has been disturbed when swimming is not on the schedule.
Talk to your family. An easy and important step of water safety to sit down and talk to your family about respecting the water. Discuss the different dangers that having a pool represents and discuss a plan of action incase of an emergency. Also include CPR, calling 911, and knowing your address to tell help how to get to you fast.
We are so happy that Miss. Kaylee was on the scene to help her little brother and be his superhero. We hope their story inspires you to take some extra steps to prevent a drowning in your pool today!
If you own a pool, take steps now to prevent a drowning. Have fun, be safe, and prevent pool drownings!
