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NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
| Office of Information and Public Affairs |
Washington, DC 20207 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2001
Release # 01-168 |
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
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CPSC Warns Backyard Pools Can Be a Fatal Attraction to Toddlers
Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death to Children Under 5
WASHINGTON, D.C. - About 350 children under 5-years-old drown in pools each year
nationwide, and over half of these incidents occur in June, July and August. Among
unintentional injuries, drowning is the second leading cause of death to this age group
after motor vehicle incidents. Another 2,600 children are treated in hospital emergency
rooms each year for near-drowning incidents. Most of these cases involve residential
pools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to reduce the number of
children drowning this summer.
Many people assume that, at a residence with a pool, the danger of drowning occurs only
when the family is outside or using the pool. But, a common scenario takes place when
young children leave the house without a parent or caregiver realizing it. Children are
drawn to water, not knowing the terrible danger pools can pose.
"Drowning happens quickly and silently, often without any splashing or
screaming," said CPCS Chairman Ann Brown. "It can occur in just the couple of
minutes it takes to answer the telephone."
The key to preventing these tragedies is to have layers of protections. This includes
placing barriers around your pool to prevent access, using pool alarms, closely
supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency. CPSC offers these tips
to prevent drowning:
- Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the
pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and self- latching. The latch should be out of a
small child's reach.
- If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the
house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is
unexpectedly opened.
- A power safety cover -- a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area
-- can be used when the pool is not in use.
- Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers
posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver.
- For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or
removed when the pool is not in use.
- If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death
or disability.
- Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms generally perform
better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. CPSC advises that consumers use
remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away
from the pool area.
The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury
or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report
a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or
CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270
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