Drowning Prevention

It happens every year. People are drowning in lakes and swimming pools in the metroplex and beyond. The American Heart Association provides the following as some basic steps to prevent drowning:

Supervise children who are near water (including bathtubs and swimming pools) at all times.

Be sure that home swimming pools are completely surrounded by fences.

Be sure that children wear life vests.

It is sad, but even when safety procedures such as these are followed, accidents can happen. Would you know what to in a submersion (near-drowning) situation? Hopefully you will never be put in that situation, but what if you are? We believe that it is very important that we all learn CPR, but especially pool owners. The American Heart Association has gone as far as to make the following statement: "Parents and older children who live in a home with a swimming pool should learn CPR." We also feel that boat owners should also consider learning CPR.

There are several different CPR classes available in the Denton area. The American Heart Association has a course called "CPR for Family & Friends", which we teach on a regular basis during the swim season. The classes are free and available to anyone who is willing to give up an evening. If you are interested in taking one of these CPR courses, please call (940)384-POOL for more information.

Water recreation in both swimming pools and lakes is an excellent activity that we can all enjoy, but we must always have respect for the potential danger that exists and be prepared to handle a crisis situation when it does arise.