Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/145703
74 • AUGUST 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Drowning prevention tips The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) has published these valuable safety tips to help prevent toddler drownings. The organization's motto is "Drowning can be prevented." In addition to what is generally recognized as the most effective drowning prevention measure – an isolation fence around pools with a selfclosing, self-latching gate – there are other measures here that should be utilized by all homeowners. Fence contractors are urged to be the "pool safety experts" in their markets, and should pass these items along to their customers and potential clients. 1. Never leave a child unattended near water in a pool, tub, bucket or ocean. There is no substitute for adult supervision. 2. Designate a "water watcher" to maintain constant watch over children in the pool during gatherings. 3. The home should be isolated from the pool with a fence at least 60" tall, with a self-closing, self-latching gate. The gate should open away from the pool, and should never be propped open. 4. Doors and windows should be alarmed to alert adults when opened. Doors should be self-closing and selflatching. 5. Power-operated pool safety covers are the most convenient and efficient. Solar/floating pool covers are not safety devices. 6. Keep a phone at poolside so that you never have to leave the pool to answer the phone, and can call for help if needed. 7. Learn CPR and rescue breathing. 8. Keep a life-saving ring, shepherd's hook and CPR instructions mounted at poolside. 9. Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. 10. Never leave water in buckets or wading pools. 11. If a child is missing, always check the pool first. Seconds count. 12. Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use. 13. Don't use floating chlorine dispensers that look like toys. 14. Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards, and emphasize the need for constant supervision. 15. Responsibilities of pool ownership include ensuring children in the home learn to swim, and that adults know CPR. 16. Do not consider children "drownproof" because they've had swimming lessons. For more information on the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, visit www.ndpa.org, or contact executive director Kim Burgess at kim@ndpa.org or at 954-804-4845. A drunk walks into a drugstore and asks for a bottle of mouthwash. "I'm not selling you that," says the druggist. "You'll drink it for the alcohol and get sick outside my door!" "Not true!" insists the drunk. "I have my first date in over a year, and I want to make a good impression." "Oh, I'm sorry. Here." The druggist takes a bottle of mouthwash off the shelf and puts it on the counter. The drunk stares at it. "You don't have a cold one, do you?"