Community Corner
Leslie’s, YMCA Of The USA Partner For Summer Swim Safety
Nearly half (47%) of Americans underestimate the number of drownings that actually occur each year.
Press release from Leslie's:
May 25, 2021
As we gear up for summer and head poolside with friends and family, water safety is of the utmost importance. A recent survey conducted by Leslie’s, the world’s most trusted pool and spa retailer, revealed major gaps in the American public’s knowledge when it comes to swim safety and best practices. Astonishingly, nearly half (47%) of Americans underestimate the number of drownings that actually occur each year, and 42% of Americans believe that water wings and life jackets are created equal when it comes to life preserving measures.
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In an effort to encourage all pool-owners and parents to refresh their knowledge, Leslie’s and YMCA of the USA have announced a three-year partnership dedicated to water-safety education. This partnership will make an impactful, positive difference in the effort to reduce the number of child drowning incidents that occur each year. The full release including additional details about survey findings and the partnership can be found here.
To help keep you safe all summer long, Leslie’s top 5 recommendations for precautions to take to prevent accidental drownings are:
- Never leave children unattended in or near water. Teach children to never be around water without adult supervision and ask permission prior to entering the water.
- Take formal swim lessons and be sure you and your family know the basics of swimming.
- Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa. Ensure there is a four-sided isolation fence with self-closing and self-latching gates around home swimming pools.
- Know how to perform CPR on children and adults. Make life jackets a must around natural bodies of water, even if children know how to swim.
- Always supervise children when they are in or near water. Designate a Water Watcher — an adult who agrees to keep their eyes on the water and avoid distractions, including conversations and cellphones.
This press release was produced by Leslie's. The views expressed here are the author’s own.