Monday Market Update: Splashing Into Water Safety Month
Pools, beaches & hot tubs: how to have safe fun in the sun!
May is often thought of as the month for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day… but as we prepare to gather and enjoy seasonal fun, may we keep top of mind that this is also Water Safety Month! This annual awareness campaign is coordinated by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance with support from the American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, National Recreation and Park Association, and World Waterpark Association. Whether you have an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, hot tub or live in a community that does – please take a moment to reflect on your own personal best practices.
The Unfortunate Facts
- The CDC reports that there are an estimated 4,000 fatal, unintentional drownings every year
- There are an additional 8,000 nonfatal drownings annually
- Children aged 1-4 have the highest drowning rates, and is the 2nd leading cause of death for children aged 5-14
- Nearly 80% of people who die from drownings are male
- Among adolescents and adults who drown, alcohol is involved in 70% of the cases
Age & Location
- Among those under age 1, 2/3 of drownings occur in bathtubs
- Children ages 1-4 are more likely to drown in home swimming pools
- 40% of drownings in children aged 5-15 occur in natural water (lakes, beaches, etc.) and 30% occur in swimming pools
- For those aged 15 and older, more than 50% of drownings occur in natural waters
What To Do
There is no one thing you can do to prevent a drowning death in your home or among your family members – but there are many, many steps you can take! Virtually every water safety expert agrees on one thing: layers of protection add up! Sample steps you can (and should!) take include:
- Learning CPR
- Assigning a designated ‘water watcher’ at every after related event
- Hire a lifeguard for any pool parties in your home
- Ensure that children & adults who live in your home with a pool take swim lessons
- Utilize pool fences, door alarms and water alarms in home above and in ground swimming pools (yes - all of these!)
- Require life jackets when boating
- Minimize or prohibit alcohol use during water recreation
- Understand the relationship between certain medications, dehydration, sun exposure and drowning
- SUPERVISION: look out for each other
Important Resources:
Layers of Protection: National Drowning Prevention Alliance
8 Situation-Specific Water Safety Brochures
We hope that you stay cool and stay safe as you splash into this warmer time of year!
P.S. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
All my best,
Bobbi & Team
Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999
Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
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