DROWNING: IT CAN HAPPEN IN SECONDS
Know what to do in an emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 drowning incidents (non-boating related) annually in the United States – about ten deaths per day. One in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. The younger the child, the greater the risk.
Prescott Valley Police Department encourages you to follow these safety tips whenever you are in, on or around water. Make Water Safety Your Priority.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Ensure that pool barriers enclose the entire pool area, are at least 5-feet high with gates that are self-closing, self-latching and open outward, and away from the pool. The latch should be at least fifty-four inches (54”) above the ground.
If you have an above-ground or inflatable pool, remove access ladders and secure the safety cover whenever the pool is not in use.
Remove any structures that provide access to the pool, such as outdoor furniture, climbable trees, decorative walls and playground equipment.
Keep toys that are not in use away from the pool and out of sight. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
Stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
For further information on Swimming Pool Safety, see Prescott Valley Town Code 13-21-100 on the Town Web Site at http://pvaz.net .
Every pool, every lake and every warm summer day holds the possibility of new, fun summer experiences. All you need to add is your undivided attention. Have a great summer!