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ALERT

Over this Labor Day weekend, there has been an epidemic of drownings involving young children. I don't usually differentiate between a drowning (where the victim dies) and a near drowning (where the victim lives), because in both cases the circumstances leading up to the drowning are the same and in most cases very preventable.

When children are in the pool, always have a responsible adult watching the water. We recommend using the Water-Watcher program. This idea is simple. When children are in or near the pool, an adult is assigned to watch the water…not watch the barbeque, not watch the Chargers or the Padres, but watch the water. When that adult needs to leave the pool area for any reason, they hand over the responsibility (and the Water Watcher tag) of watching the water to another responsible adult. Water Watcher tags are available online or through the Safe Kids Coalition of San Diego and act as a visual reminder to the designated watcher to supervise the water while wearing the tag.

Although none of the drownings that occurred this weekend happened in Bonita, we have had a number of close calls this year. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children. Drowning is a silent event that can happen in just seconds. In many cases the child drowns in his or her own pool, they were last seen in the home, they had been missing for less than five minutes and they were in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning (Safe Kids Coalition).

Although supervision is the key, it may not always be possible 24/7. If you have a pool or hot tub (or any other body of water like a pond) you need to create layers of protection. As a parent, imagine that your child IS going to drown and do everything you possibly can to prevent it from happening. Layers include barrier fencing around the pool with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Pool alarms are another layer of protection. One of the best pool alarms I have seen on the market is the Sonar Guard, which uses the latest technology. Pool covers are yet another layer and a great way to secure your pool. I have one on my own pool that I purchased from Poolsafe. Another layer includes door and gate alarms that alert the parent if someone accesses the backyard or pool area. Also, don't leave toys in or around the water that might entice younger kids to get close to the water's edge. Enroll you children in swimming lessons taught by a certified swimming instructor. Finally, keep a phone nearby in case you need to call 911 and learn CPR.

Ask any firefighter or paramedic what they dislike the most about the job and chances are they will say "calls involving children". If everyone works together, we can prevent some of these needless tragedies from occurring in the first place. If you have kids, check around your house and those houses around you to assure layers of protection have been established. If you are a pool owner but don't have kids, make sure you close and lock your gates at all times. Remember, when your kids visit grandma and grandpa or a friend, the same rules apply.

Keep checking in as this blog will be updated regularly. Thanks! Josh Krimston

BY THE WAY!!!

Don't miss the San Miguel Fire Department's "Are You Ready?" Safety and Preparedness Fair on Saturday, September 9th from 10 am to 2 pm. This event will take place at the Rancho San Diego Towne Shopping Center. There will be emergency vehicles on display, firefighter demonstrations and safety and disaster planning information. Bring the kids so they can walk/bike/drive through Safety City, an interactive traffic safety program. Click here for the flyer.