CPSC releases child drowning figures

This year, 172 children younger than 15 drowned in pools or spas between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to media reports compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. An additional 180 children were injured in nonfatal incidents.

In light of these figures, the agency is calling for increased vigilance to keep children safe in the water.

"Far too many families have been impacted by child drownings this summer," said Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC chairman. "Back to school does not mean the end of the swimming season. Many children in warm weather states have fun in the water all year."

To protect children from drowning, the agency advocates four-side fencing that blocks pool access, alarms on doors leading to pool areas, heavy-duty pool covers, anti-entrapment drains and close supervision of children near water.