By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Parents are being urged to be extra cautious when it comes to their children and water. Already this year, two children have drowned in swimming pools and there have been 13 near drownings.
Getting in the pool is by far the easiest way to beat the heat. It can be a lot of fun, but is can also be dangerous.
The North Las Vegas Fire Department and Safe Kids teamed up Monday morning to hold a mock drowning drill and to try and teach parents and kids about pool safety. Parents and kids got a chance to see just how scary a situation can be if the proper precautions aren't taken.
“When you have a little child, it really hits home,” said Bill Gagnon.
Safety experts say one of the biggest mistakes parents make is complacency. Parents overestimate their child's swimming ability or think someone else may be keeping an eye on the child. Even in public pool situations, where there are lifeguards, parents are urged to watch their child.
“The biggest problem I see is definitely parents. I can't tell you how many kids I have pulled up. They've gone under because the parents turned their back,” said Xia Higbee, lifeguard.
“When you are out at the pool with your kids, you are not reading a magazine, on the phone, running back in the house to get Kool-Aid, you are out there actively watching the kids because it just takes a second for someone to go under,” said Jeanne Cosgrove, Safe Kids.
A recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the number of children under the age of five drowning in pools and spas has increased in recent years.
There are some other safety steps you can take while out at the pool:
- Always make sure there is adult supervision
- Make sure the pool has a barrier around it like a fence
- Know CPR and teach your kids how to use 911
- Have life jackets and other devices nearby
- Give children swim lessons
- CPR Classes are offered through the American Red Cross
- The YMCA offers swim lessons
- Most city and county public pools offer swim lessons
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