RHHD offers residential pool safety tips on World Drowning Prevention Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are offering residential pool safety tips to prevent swimming drownings.

According to RRHD, 70% of pool or spa drownings in children under age 15 occurred in residential settings in Virginia -- a number that grows to 85% for children aged 5 and younger.

“World Drowning Prevention Day gives us the opportunity [to] focus on the importance of keeping ourselves and our families safe while swimming in pools this summer,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Residential pools provide a fun, active way to connect with friends and family. Safer pools and careful supervision of children can prevent accidental drownings.” 

Health officials are offering the following tips to ensure residential pool safety:

• Properly fence all pools at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool/spa. 
• Use a self-closing and self-latching gate.  
• Use anti-entrapment drain covers. Encourage swimmers to stay away from drains and other pool openings. 
• Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use and when adults are not present.  
• Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use with adult supervision. 
• Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area that will alert you when someone enters the pool area. 
• Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Cover larger portable pools. 
• Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 4, and on average, one person drowns every four days in Virginia. As a result, RHHD is also reminding families to follow these tips:

• Always watch kids in and around the water – and designate a water watcher.  
• Teach children to swim – or sign them up for swim classes. 
• Know life-saving skills, including CPR for adults and children. 

8News previously reported that Virginia has seen a noticeable rise in drownings in children under 5 years old in swimming pools, with six children dying since Memorial Day, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

For more information, you can visit the department's website.