As Pools Open For The Summer, North Andover FD Urges Vigilance

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — As we get closer to the official start of summer, pools in North Andover will undoubtedly become a favorite hot spot to cool off and relax. While the North Andover Fire Department hopes residents have fun, its reminding adults to keep a close eye on children in their care at all times.

"Never underestimate children's resourcefulness when they want to see something," the department warned via Twitter on Thursday. "As the summer season begins and we open our pools, be more than VIGILANT, an accident can happen in the blink of an eye!"

The department's message was accompanied by an eye-opening photo that shows a child standing on top of a battery-powered toy SUV while attempting to climb into an above ground pool.

About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

Summer kicks off Sunday, June 20 and ends Wednesday, Sept. 22.