ARTICLES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the swimming season begins, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is re-issuing its pool barrier guidelines to help prevent about 300 drowning of children each year in residential swimming pools.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the homes of children under age 5 in states such as California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. In addition, each year more than 2,000 young children are treated in hospital emergency rooms nationwide for submersion injuries, such as brain damage.

"Supervision is key to preventing a child from drowning in what is a silent death that happens very quickly," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the telephone. Most of the young victims are missing from sight for less than just five minutes."

Barriers and pool covers can reduce the risk of child drowning. CPSC recommends that parents install the following safety devices to prevent access and give parents time to locate a child before tragedy strikes: 1. A fence or barrier at least 4 feet high with no footholds or handholds should surround the entire pool. 2. If a wall of the house serves as a side of the barrier, the house doors should be protected with alarms. 3. In addition to the barriers, a power safety cover should protect the pool when it is not in use.

"The three barriers that CPSC recommends can buy you time and may save your child's life," Brown said.

In addition to installing safety devices, parents can take other steps to help prevent drowning. CPSC recommends that parents and other caregivers should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

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 CPC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270