CPSC calls for all kids to learn to swim

Washington – Almost 400 children drown in pools and spas every year, and more than 75 percent of those children are younger than 5, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In response, CPSC has called for all children to learn how to swim and for all families to take the Pool Safely Pledge in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries. The commission’s report estimates 5,100 pool- or spa-related injuries occurred per year from 2010 to 2012 among children 15 and younger.

In addition to calling for all parents and caregivers to teach children to swim or sign them up for swim classes, CPSC’s Pool Safely campaign recommends the following steps:

• Designate a “water watcher” every time a child is in or near water.
• Make sure children in adults’ care know how to swim.
• Learn CPR.
• Make sure that all pools have a proper fence, gate and drain covers.