Learn the ABCs of Drowning Prevention to Save Lives in Florida This Summer.

Now that school is out for the year, it is more important than ever to do everything possible to prevent drownings. Many parents feel comfortable that, once their children are taught to swim, they are safe from drowning. That is not actually the case.

If a child falls into a swimming pool and bangs his head, or injurs his leg, for example, the injury may prevent the child from using the swimming skills he has been taught. There is absolutely no substitute for the ABCs of Drowning Prevention:

A - Adult Supervision -
1. No child should be left unsupervised for even a moment, whether he can swim or not.
2. Maintain a clear view of the child at all times.
3. Remove children from the swimming pool and spa area for any distraction, such as a telephone call.
4. Floaties or other inflatable flotation devices are not life jackets and should never be substituted for adult supervision;
5. Ensure any adult responsible for children swimming know the emergency services telephone number as well as your location address in the event emergency personnel are needed to be called to the scene.


B - Barriers - Swimming pools in homes should have fences or other barriers to prevent accidental falls, and homes should have gates, locks on doors, and exit alarms should be installed at entrances to the pool area. All chairs, tables, large toys or other objects that would allow a child to climb up to reach the gate latch or enable the child to climb over the isolation fence should be removed or kept inside the fenced area.

C - Classes -
1. Learn how to perform CPR. You can learn from watching a video on the website www.abcpoolsafety.org,, or contact the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to sign up for a CPR class or purchase an at-home training kit.
2. Enroll your child in swimming lessons.The YMCA website can help you find a location for swimming lessons hear you, or contact the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County for additional information.

Check the website of Palm Beach County at www.pbcgov.com/drowningprevention for more information on water safety and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County.or call our office at 800-GOLD-LAW.