Drowning Prevention for Southern Nevada Residents

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Drowning Facts

The majority of drowning deaths occur in the family pool.
The most common drowning victim is a child four years of age or younger.
These tragedies often occur while one or both parents are home and there is a brief lapse in supervision.
Drowning is called the 'Silent Death' because there is often no cry for help and very little sound from splashing.
Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death in Southern Nevada for young children.

Preventable Mistakes

Never leave a child alone near any body of water in which a child's nose and mouth can be submerged.
Never use floaties or other inflatable toys as life jackets or substitutes for adult supervision.
Never leave toys in or around the pool/spa. Remove items that could be used for climbing (tables, chairs, planters) away from fences.
Never consider children to be 'drown-proof' despite swimming skills, previous swimming lessons or experience.

Be Prepared

Look in the pool area first if a child is missing
Designate an adult to supervise children around any body of water, especially at social gatherings
Require parents, grandparents and care providers to know CPR, rescue techniques and how to call 911
Post the 911 emergency number, your home phone number and home address by every telephone.
Consider age-appropriate swimming lessons by a qualified instructor
Know that drownings are preventable.

Pool Security

Doors and windows should be alarmed to alert family members when opened. Secure and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to the pool/spa area when not in use.
Power operated pool safety covers are the safest and easiest to use. Solar/floating pool covers are not safety covers and do not provide adequate protection. Children can slip underneath and become trapped out of sight.
A poolside phone is an essential part of a safe pool environment that allows access to 911 and avoids leaving a child unattended to answer a phone call.
Install a life saving ring, shepherd's hook and CPR instructions should be mounted by the pool. Rescue equipment should be in good repair.
A non-climbable five-foot fence that separates the pool/spa from the residence. Openings should be no more than four inches; wide so children cannot squeeze through the spaces.
Use self-closing, self latching five-foot fence gates and side gates leading to the pool/spa area, with latches above a child's reach (54" high). The gate should open away from the pool. Never prop gates open.

Visit the Related Links webpage for additional Injury Prevention information.