PRESS RELEASE FIRST 5 LA GIVES TIPS TO PREVENT TODDLER DROWNINGS THIS SUMMER

"Most drownings occur during the summer months, and parents must remember to balance the hot weather fun with an urgent need to pay very close attention to the safety of their children," said Evelyn Martinez, First 5 LA Executive Director. "Children should never be left unattended in a pool - not even in a shallow wading pool."

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children one to four years of age, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 70 percent of all drowning accidents take place in backyard swimming pools and can happen in just a few inches of water.

A toddler can drown even while a large group of adults are gathered around a pool. "Practice ‘active' supervision by keeping your eyes on children at all times or consider hiring a professional lifeguard for private pool parties," recommends Timothy Archuleta, health and safety officer for the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles."And always stay within an arm's reach when watching infants or toddlers near water."

Many things can distract parents while children play in the pool. "Remember that reading, eating, and conversing with another person can cause distractions that lead to disastrous results," Archuleta said. "Prepare yourself to respond in an emergency situation and enroll young children in water safety or swimming classes."

Very young children can be taught basic water safety techniques that can save lives. Parents often participate in water safety classes with children ranging in age from newborn to 24 months old. Even parents who don't know how to swim can take part in many children's water safety programs, which provide an enjoyable parent-child bonding experience, Martinez said. "The earlier babies and very young children are introduced to water, the sooner they can be taught vital water safety skills," she said.

This summer, First 5 LA urges parents to take special precautions with toddlers and young children and follow the pool safety checklist below:

• NEVER allow children to be alone when near water - make sure an adult is present.

• Make sure that the pool is secure at all times. The swimming pool "fencing" ordinance in Los Angeles County requires that all swimming pools more than two feet in depth be surrounded by a protective fence of not less than five feet in height.
• Keep toys out of the pool or pool area when not in use so that young children are not attracted to them and wander into unsupervised areas.
• Keep items such as ladders, furniture or tools that can be used for climbing into pool areas away from fences.
• Mount approved life-saving flotation devices near the pool. Many popular inflatable toy flotation devices such as water noodles or ducky baby seats are not adequate safety support and are mistakenly thought to be lifesaving devices; but they are not. They are toys!
• Do not allow children to dive into an above ground pool or in other shallow water. Know the depth water in the pool before a child attempts to dive.
• Keep a telephone near the pool and post the 911 emergency number on the telephone.

If a child is in trouble in a pool:

• Don't panic, yell for help and get the child out of the pool right away.
• Call 911 immediately for emergency medical service.
• If necessary, begin CPR. If you are not trained in CPR, follow telephone instructions from the Fire Department until rescue crews arrive to help.

During the hot summer months, First 5 LA also urges parents:

• Never leave your child in an unattended car, even with the windows down.

• Keep children from playing near barbecues and bonfires, and always have water present when fire is involved. Only adults should use lighter fluid.

First 5 LA is a child-advocacy organization created by California voters to invest tobacco tax revenues in education, health and safety programs for expectant parents and children up to age 5. For more information on First 5 LA's programs for parents and children call 1-888-347-7855 or visit www.first5la.org.