Drownings happen all year round. However, this is the time when accidents in water, and especially swimming pools, are on the rise.

Despite the fact that drowning can always be avoided, it remains one of the causes of death and injury among children under 5 years of age. Also, drowning is statistically the fifth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 5 and 14. Unfortunately, there were 114 water accidents in Orange County last year. 48 of those were fatal.

Therefore, lifeguards urge parents to be vigilant when children are in swimming pools. The threat of drowning is that it can occur completely silently and even in small bodies of water. In order to avoid injuries or fatal consequences, it is necessary to always keep children in sight when they are near water.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that more than 70% of toddlers under the age of 4 who were found in the pool should not have been in it.

The Orange County Fire Department is actively distributing safety tips for staying safe around swimming pools. Among the top recommendations:

• Never leave children unattended near water, even if they can swim.
• It is important to have a basic knowledge of first aid and rescue skills. If an emergency occurs, you can save a child's life.
• Install a fence or barrier system around the pool that will make it impossible for children to access the water on their own.
• Explain to children the rules of pool behavior and that water can always hide danger.
• Keep beach toys and life preservers away from the pool after swimming. Children may try to reach into the water to pick something up and slip.

Socium.Network team recommends regularly reminding your family and friends of these rules so everyone can enjoy a safe and fun time at the pool.

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