Safe Kids Gwinnett announces program to reduce child drownings

LAWRENCEVILLE - Safe Kids Gwinnett announces a new pool safety program for children. Partnering with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Pool Safely campaign and the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Department, Safe Kids Gwinnett plans to make pool safety a priority by advocating simple water safety steps.

"Our Pool Safely campaign is part of a national conversation with parents and children as well as pool owners and operators about the simple safety steps they can take to protect themselves and their families in and around pools and spas," said Safe Kids Gwinnett Coordinator Tania Diaz. "These incidents are preventable, so our mission is to change the way families think and act about pool and spa safety."

In a national study of drowning-related incidents, a parent or caregiver claimed to be supervising the child in nearly 9 out of 10 child drowning-related deaths. In 2009, there was an estimated 5,016 children were injured by near-drowning incidents in the U.S.

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services will provide Pool Safely materials and information to all Gwinnett County apartment complexes during regular fire prevention activities and inspections. "The department is excited about our partnership with the organizations that make up Safe Kids Gwinnett," said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. "We are equally proud to be an integral part of raising awareness in the community concerning water related emergencies."

The Pool Safely campaign delivers an important and simple message: adding extra safety steps in and around the water can make all the difference. Your greatest water safety assurance comes from adopting and practicing as many water safety measures as possible, including installing barriers with self-closing gates, being alert and watching children at the pool, having the appropriate safety equipment and learning CPR and water safety skills.

Swimming classes are available for kids starting at six months of age. Visit www.gwinnettparks.com for more informaton.