Pool Life-Saving Tips
- Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water
- Teach children basic water safety tips
- Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
- Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
- If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
- Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors
- Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
- Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
- Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency
source: Pool Safely
Rady Children's Hospital and child safety advocates today will kick off a monthlong series of events to try to prevent drownings around San Diego County.
Free swimming lessons will be given to youngsters, and water safety tips will be provided for parents, during April Pools Days.
According to the hospital, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 15. Last year, 86 children were brought to the hospital's emergency department, and five of the drowning victims died.
April Pools Days are planned this upcoming weekend in San Marcos and Escondido, and on April 13 in Chula Vista and the Clairemont section of San Diego, according to the nonprofit Safe Kids San Diego. Events later in the month will be held in Coronado, La Mesa, Santee and Solana Beach.
Besides the swim lessons, the events will include demonstrations by firefighters and Navy SEALS, and CPR instruction.
