Home pools are becoming more common every day. It is estimated now more than 1 in 5
Minnesota homes have a swimming pool with US Census statistics indicating 8.8 million
residential and public use swimming pools. With water being a major part of Minnesota’s
Recreational Culture, supervision around any Aquatic Venue, needs to become second
nature.
A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death
of a child under the age of 4. An estimated 5,000 children under the age of 14 are
hospitalized due to unintentional drowning related incidents each year. 15 % of these
incidents are fatal and 20% suffer permanent neurological disability. Preschoolers who
drown, are in the care of 1 or 2 parents, at the time of the accident. 75% of these children are missing from sight 3 minutes or less.
An enjoyable summer vacation can turn tragic in an instant. Parents need to be aware of
the increased probability of childhood drowning when on vacation. Places visited by a
family can be unfamiliar, and the excitement of the adventure may in some cases result in the unseen dangers inherent. Parents need to make themselves familiar with all of the
aquatic environments including rivers, lakes, dams, swimming pools and beaches they are likely to encounter during the family vacation. Parents should take the time to identify the potential hazards of each different location.
With summer right around the corner, and trips to the cabin, beach, and waterparks
looming, parents need to be reminded not to be complacent about SUPERVISION as the
primary layer of protection in the prevention of drowning. Vigilance is required, no
matter how confident a young swimmer may be. What constitutes supervision and pro
active guidelines ensuring everybody enjoys swimming?
- 100% undivided attention; supervision is not an activity accomplished while doing something else!
- Prepare to get wet! The 0-5 year age bracket requires you to keep watch at a close distance (i.e. within arm’s length). So get in with them! This enables parents to spend quality time with their kids, splashing about and having FUN.
- Ignoring distraction never allowing phones, doorbells, or other siblings/children distract your attention.
- 60% of backyard pool drowning’s, were a result of children falling in while playing around the pool area 85% of the time. This means supervision extends not only to periods of swimming, but when children are out of the water too.
There is no compromise for diligent supervision. It is parents’ responsibility to provide
children with every available opportunity to call upon another layer of protection to assist them in the event one is not there to help. Other layers include sufficient barriers/pool enclosures, teaching children how to swim, informing them of basic water safety skills, and learning CPR .
Never underestimate the importance of supervision. After all, being in and around water
and participating in all forms of aquatic activities, is in our Minnesota culture for the
whole family to enjoy!
Peter Schrock M.S.E.
Owner and Founder Family Swim School
