From HealthNewsDigest.com

Children's Health
At Least 163 Children Fatally Drowned in Pools and Spas This Summer
By
Sep 18, 2017 - 3:18:33 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - WASHINGTON – From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2017*, at least 163 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned in swimming pools or spas, according to media reports compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation, a Pool Safely campaign partner. Of the 163 reports, 112 of the victims -- nearly 70 percent -- were children younger than age five.

During the same timeframe in 2016, 205 children younger than age 15 drowned in swimming pools or spas, according to media reports. Of the 205 reports, 140 of the victims -- nearly 70 percent -- were children younger than age five.

“Each one of these deaths is a tragedy, which serves as a sobering reminder of how dangerous water can be for young children,” said Ann Marie Buerkle, Acting Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Even though summer is over and children are back in school, pools are still open in warm weather states and indoor swim parks. I encourage all families to Pool Safely and follow the simple steps that save lives whenever they’re enjoying time in or near the water.”

The following states suffered the highest number of pool and spa drownings involving children younger than 15 from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2017*:


· Texas: 14

· Virginia: 7

· Louisiana: 6


The Pool Safely campaign, a national public education campaign run by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), provides information on the simple steps that parents, caregivers, and pool owners should take to ensure that children and adults stay safer in and around pools and spas in an effort to reduce fatal and nonfatal drownings. All parents and caregivers are reminded to follow Pool Safely’s simple steps to keep children safer in and around the water.


The Pool Safely campaign was launched in 2010 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to raise awareness about pool and spa safety, as mandated by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Visit PoolSafely.gov/Pledge to take the Pledge to help prevent drownings.

*Dates defined as Saturday, May 27, 2017 through Monday, Sept. 4, 2017.

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