Fire Chief Shares Life-Saving Summer Swimming Safety Tips

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD – The Annapolis Fire Department wants to remind everyone that children are at the highest risk of drowning and near drowning incidents, but by taking a few safety precautions, drowning tragedies can be avoided.

According to the 2018 Drowning Report from the Consumer Protection Safety Commission:

• Backyard pools appear to be the most dangerous with 85 percent of all drowning fatalities for children younger than five years old are in residential locations.
• Approximately 351 drowning fatalities occur each year, 76 percent of those are children younger than five years old.
• Approximately 6,400 emergency room visits for nonfatal drowning injuries occur each year, 73 percent of those are for children younger than five years old.

The Annapolis Fire Department and Annapolis Fire Chief David L. Stokes Sr. urges all swimmers to adhere to the following tips to keep themselves safe this summer season:

• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always supervise small children while they are in the water. They should be no more than an arm’s length away.
• Never leave children unattended while around the pool.
• Ensure proper life jackets and/or age appropriate coast guard approved flotation devices are available.
• Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool unexpectedly.
• Secure your pool with a minimum of a four-foot-high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Ensure everyone in the home learns how to swim.
• Keep the pool/spa water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
• Establish rules for the pool deck such as “No Diving,” “Swim with a Buddy” and “No Running.”
• Avoid alcohol use if you are going swimming. It impairs judgement and coordination, and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
• Keep toys that are not in use away from the area around the pool so young children aren’t attracted to play near edge of the pool.
• If a child is missing, check the water first… SECONDS COUNT! Call 9-1-1 if necessary.
• Make sure everyone knows the number to dial in case of an emergency… 9-1-1
• Ensure an adult supervising knows CPR. Have children learn CPR, it will be something that will stay with them for a life time.