The “Simple Steps Save Lives – POOL SAFELY” campaign was brought to Arizona families a couple years ago by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). By raising public awareness, the CPSC and the Law Offices of Shane L. Harward, PLC, hope to reduce the number of child-related pool accidents and drownings this year in Arizona.

From a Scottsdale child injury attorney, Arizona families need to be aware of the dangers associated with backyard spas, pools, and community pools, including indoor facilities. Here are some sad statistics from the CPSC to reflect upon:

— 96% of those involved in a submersion event will die.

— Among spa and pool drownings of children age 15 and under, 76% involved very young children under the age of five.

— Among spa and pool emergency department treatments for accidents involving children age 15 and under, 79% involved children under the age of five.

— Between 2006 and 2008, 72% of drownings involving children under age 15 occurred in residential areas.

— Between 2008 and 2010, the number of children’s pool injuries (age 15 and under) in residential areas was 55%.

These are the backyard pools found in many southwestern neighborhoods, including those in the greater Phoenix area.

Danger Isn’t Restricted to Pools and Spas, Says Child Injury Attorney, Scottsdale Arizona

Arizona drowning dangers are not restricted to warm weather, pools, and spas. The leading cause of accidental death among children between the ages of one and four is drowning in bathtubs, bath seats, and open buckets. Babies and young children can drown in only a few inches of water, so always supervise your little ones around any object containing water.

Here are some important water safety tips from the CPSC:

●  Never leave young children alone near any water or tub or basin with fluid.

●  Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take the child with you.

●  Don’t leave a baby or young child in a bathtub under the care of another young child.

●  Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers are top heavy and they can fall headfirst into buckets and drown. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Don’t leave buckets outside where they can collect rainwater.

●  Consider placing locks on toilet seat covers in case a young child wanders into the bathroom.

●  Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.

Educating Parents and Adults about Pool Safety

It is important to hold accountable those responsible for pool safety violations, and to make sure the victim and victim’s family is adequately compensated, through legal representation from an Scottsdale Arizona child injury attorney.  However, it is more important to ensure future accidents, deaths, and injuries can be eliminated.

Arizonans who own swimming pools are responsible for using and maintaining fences, gates, and other safety features around private pool areas. Remember, whenever children are at play in and around a pool area be vigilant, make sure they are always properly supervised by an adult. Swimming pool and spa accidents can be catastrophic, leaving a child with head and brain injuries, fractures and broken limbs, spinal injuries, and severe lacerations. If your child was a victim of drowning or was injured in any way, then act now and call a child injury attorney – Scottsdale Arizona’s Shane L. Harward – at 480.874.2918 today.

Resource:

www.poolsafely.gov