Cooling off in the Mississippi summer heat many times means taking a dip in the pool.
For those who have access to a pool, especially in the backyard, safety is a concern. That concern increases when the household has small children.
This week, a 2-year-old girl drowned in a Lincoln County above ground pool at a private home. The story states that the child climbed the ladder, and is suspected to have fallen in the pool, where her family later found her unresponsive.
So, for Pearl River County residents who have a pool in their backyard, exercising safety tips from poolsafety.gov can prevent a child from downing.
The poolsafety.gov website suggests that adults never leave a child unattended in or near a pool.
To ensure children are being properly monitored that adult should not have any distractions, such as a cellphone or a book.
Children should also be taught to swim, either by an adult or through swimming lessons.
Many pools have systems that keep the water clean, and use suction to circulate the water. Those vents can be dangerous if a child gets stuck in one of the drains or suction points. Drain covers should be in place to ensure children do not get stuck in them.
Alarms and fences can help deter a child from getting into a pool without an adult’s knowledge.
A four-foot or taller fence will help prevent children from getting to the pool. Alarms installed on the door leading to the pool can also provide adults a warning that someone has entered the pool area before an accident can occur.
Should the unthinkable occur, being properly trained in administering CPR is a lifesaving skill.