|
 White Plains, NY - Westchester County is teaming up again with area swimming pool professionals to promote pool safety and make this a healthy, relaxing and fun summer season.
“National statistics show that drownings of young children are on the rise,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “Parents should never leave a child unsupervised or out of sight in or near a pool – not even for a second. We are also urging pool owners to implement a variety of safety measures that can make the difference between life and death.”
A brochure, designed by the county in cooperation with the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) and the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA),is being distributed to pool owners throughout the county. The brochure describes 16 layers of protection that owners can implement, such as fencing, self-latching gates and safety covers. In particular, pool owners are encouraged to install a pool alarm that can detect if a child is entering the water. This sounds a warning at poolside and at another location on the premises – preferably inside the house.
The brochure is also available on the county website, www.westchestergov.com/consumer.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, drownings involving young children in pools and spas are on the rise, averaging 283 annually from 2003-2005. That’s an increase from 267 for 2002-2004.
“As pool professionals, we are pleased to work with the county in promoting pool safety, which is our top priority,” said Martin Silver, president of Bel-Aqua Pool Supply, Inc. and a member of NESPA. “This is a terrific example of the government and the private sector working together to protect the public – and children in particular.”
Among the safety measures being urged are the following:
Isolate the swimming pool by way of a minimum four-foot-high enclosure
Install an impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool, blocking access to the water
Keep all doors and windows leading to the pool or spa securely closed
Keep rescue equipment and a phone by the pool
Install anti-entrapment drain covers and fittings
Maintain proper water clarity
In addition, the pool safety campaign is taking on the risks posed by portable and inflatable pools, which can cost as little as $50 and are readily available in stores throughout Westchester. Between 2004 and 2006 the CPCS received 47 reports of deaths attributable to inflatable pools.
To make sure that consumers are informed of the risk of drowning associated with inflatable pools, a new county law requires stores which sell pools having a depth greater than two feet to post an advisory sign at the point of display. The advisory sign warns that inflatable pools pose a risk to young children and urges parents never to leave a child unsupervised - - not even for a second.
“A child can drown in an inflatable pool just as easily as in a large in-ground or above-ground pool,” said Spano. “We want to be sure that parents are aware of the risks of inflatable pools.
 |
