Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/138965
WORLD FENCE NEWS • JULY 2013 • coroner's office data from 2000 to 2007 to examine the circumstances prior to an at-home pool drowning, in the hopes of crafting messages to prevent future deaths. "...pool fencing is critical. Any home pool should have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate in good condition, which is never left open." – Phyllis Agran, MD, FAAP Information on 46 drownings was reviewed, including incident site, barriers and pool access, supervision, emergency preparedness and response, and family/social history. In general, more of the younger children (ages 1 and 2) were last seen in the house prior to the drowning (67 percent), while the older children (ages 3 and 4) were more often last seen in or near the water (69 percent). In addition, three specific patterns emerged: • A 1- or 2-year-old child who was last seen in the house, most often under the supervision of a parent or caregiver who was distracted with household or childcare activities, or in a changed daily routine. • A 3- or 4-year-old child who was in or near the water just prior to drowning. • A 1- or 2-year-old child last seen outside, often with more neglectful supervision and environments. "Most of the 1- to 2-year-olds were able to access the pool without the adult supervisor realizing it. That's why pool fencing is critical," said lead study author Phyllis Agran, MD, FAAP. "Any home pool should have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate in good condition, which is never left open. "When in the pool or playing outside around the pool, hands-on supervision is necessary," Dr. Agran said. "Older children who drown were more often outside with inadequate supervision." Dr. Agran also said that parents may overestimate their child's abilities to be safe around water. Teaching children water safety and to swim will also help to reduce risk. "First and foremost, however, is pool fencing so children cannot gain access to the pool by themselves," said Dr. Agran. "If possible, parents should not have a home with a swimming pool in the yard until the child is older than 5 years." The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit http://www.aap.org. For convenient access to World Fence News OnLine, visit www.worldfencenews.com A Leader in Custom Fencing Products with Top Level Service Buy American, Be American™ Send Us Your Ideas for Pete & Jake Cartoons! u u u Do it today! All ideas considered! AAMA 2604 COMPLIANT Full editorial credit given if used! • • • Email to: editor@worldfencenews.com 39 We are environmentally responsible