During the hot summer months, it sure is refreshing to dive into your own personal pool. Many homes nowadays have pools and that means summer time fun. It is also a time when children are attracted to jump in and have fun as well. The unfortunate fact is that way too many children die in accidental drownings. This does not have to be a statistic in your home if you follow some basic common sense tips.

The Arizona Insurance Council wants to make sure  you take a layered approach to protection between your home and pool. “A pool fence with self-closing self latching gates and a door alarm that sounds when the door is opened from the inside are easy cost effective addition to what you already may have,” suggests Ron Williams, executive director of the AIC.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 25 children died in 2007 alone from drowning, another 167 children were hospitalized or seen in an emergency department for a non fatal drowning. For the first half of 2009 alone, there have been over 20 cases of drowning or near drownings and three of those were fatal. (taken from Drowning Coalition of Arizona)

Other ways to keep children safe around water:

1. Always make sure doors, gates, even pet doors that lead to the pool area are secure.
2. Teach children to swim early on. Classes are offered for children as young as one year old.
3. Keep toys away from the pool and spa areas and secure spas with child proof covers.
4. Parents, take the phone with you out by the pool so you can call 911 immediately if needed.

If we just take common sense steps to prevent drownings, we can dramatically reduce the number of drowning cases and enjoy a safe and fun summer!