All water poses the risk of drowning. This includes plastic kiddie pools, wading pools, inflatable pools, and 
splash mats, which have become hot sellers this year, a result of stay at home orders, social distancing, and phased openings due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Many manufacturers are reporting backlogs and shortages of pools.
Kiddie pools and blow-up pools are great for families that can not access the beach or a pool. They are relatively small, easy to set up (fill with water or inflate), lightweight, and portable, meaning you can put them almost anywhere – backyard, front yard, or the driveway.
While these tiny pools can provide relief from the heat and the boredom of children stuck at home, did you know that even a few inches of water in a kiddie pool is enough for a child to drown?
According to SafeKids.org, almost 800 children drown in the U.S. each year. Two-thirds of the deaths occur between May and August and one to four-year-olds are more likely to drown in a pool.
Proper safety is vital in kiddie pool safety:
- Parental supervision is a must. Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
- Designate a water watcher. No distractions – phones, books, magazines, or talking with people.
- Learn CPR and basic rescue skills.
- Know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Get your child swimming lessons. Kids can start taking swimming lessons at age 1 – or even younger.
- Establish and enforce kiddie pool rules.
- Always drain water from kiddie pools after use and when not using.
- Always store pool in a safe place, deflate if needed, and store upside down.
- Pay attention to age recommendations, as some pools are intended for older kids only.
- Read pool instructions on how to clean and disinfect.
Click here, to learn what WebMD recommends parents and caregivers to do in an emergency where a child is drowning in a kiddie pool.
Remember, all child drownings are preventable. Even with precautions, everyone has to do their part to protect themselves and others while playing around water and in kiddie pools.
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