Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Multidisciplinary approach to backyard pool safety and drowning prevention
Citation preview
1
Water Safety: Ask The Experts
Drowning Prevention: Multidisciplinary Perspectives
James M. DeCarli, MPH, MPA, CHES
2
Overview
• Common Characteristics & Lessons Learned of Pool Systems– Public/Community– Private/Backyard
• Lessons Applied-Community Prevention• Community Outreach Efforts
– Safe Kids Los Angeles
3
Swimming Pool Prevention Systems
• Public/Community
• Private/Backyard
4
Public/Community Pools
• Controlled Environment
• Enforcement of Rules & Regulations
• Lifeguards
5
Lessons Learned: Public/Community Pools
Risk Factors of Drowning
6
Anatomy of a Submersion Fatality–
Lessons Learned: Public/Community Pools
7
Lessons Learned: Public/Community Pools
Pools In-Use: Active Supervision
8
Lessons Learned: Public/Community Pools
Pools Not In-Use: Layers of Protection
9
Private/Backyard Pools
• Lack Drowning Prevention Training
• Unsatisfactory inSupervision & Layersof Protection
• Results: Increases Drowning Risk Factors
10
Lessons Learned: Private/Backyard Pools
Pool In-UseSupervision
• Quality of supervision often fails
• 90% of childhood drowning incidents occurred under adult supervision (National Safe Kids 2004)
• Approach fails
11
Lessons Learned: Private/Backyard Pools
Pool Not In-UseLayers of Protection
• Quality of layers of protection often fail
• 50% of childhood victims last seen inside home, before found drowned (CPSC)
• 69% of toddlers not expected to be in pool area (CPSC)
• 77% of victims missing for 5-minutes or less before found in pool (CPSC)
12
Lessons Learned: Private/Backyard Pools
Pool Not In-UseLayers of Protection Case
13
Lessons Applied: Private/Backyard Pools
Pool In-UseSupervision
• Supervise like a lifeguard– Eyes on children– Not partake in other activities– Designate another adult for breaks– Pool parties: Consider hiring a lifeguard
14
Lessons Applied : Private/Backyard Pools
Pool Not In-UseLayers of Protection
• After use, account that everyone is out of pool• Remove any inflatable toys from pool area• Ensure self-closing/self-latching gate is in
working order and locked after use• Ensure lawn equipment, chairs, tables are not
close to fence to prevent a child from climbing over
• Ensure that any doors or windows that may lead to the pool area are locked and have alarms activated
15
Lessons Applied : Private/Backyard Pools
Pool Not In-UseAdditional Layers of Protection
• Isolation fence• Self-closing/Self-latching gate open outward away from
pool• Door & windows leading to the pool area, be self-
closing/self-latching and alarmed• Power operated pool covers be properly maintained• Keep phone at poolside for emergency use• Learn CPR• Keep lifesaving ring and shepherd’s hook in pool area &
know how to use it• Do not consider children “drownproof” because they have
had swimming lessons
16
Drowning Prevention Strategies
• Target • parents and• pool owners
• Prevention approach– Pool in-use: active supervision– Pool not in-use: layers of protection
17
Community Outreach Efforts
Public Agencies
• Los Angeles County hospitals & clinics• Los Angeles County Fire Department• Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation
– 25 Community Pools: Pool safety education classes
– 83 Recreation Centers: Pool safety education materials
• 88-Incorporated Cities: Materials (in planning)
18
Community Outreach Efforts
Non-Governmental AgenciesMedia
– 16-Broadcasts/news stories (May-August 2004): ABC, NBC, & Telemundo
– Media Event: Private/backyard pool• Local officials• Safe Kids LA• Fire Department• American Red Cross• Link with drowning case
19
Community Outreach Efforts
Non-Governmental Agencies, continued
– ABC’s of a Safe Summer Program• ABC7 & American Red Cross• At-A-Glance:
• Water Safety• Fire Safety• First Aid• CPR
20
Summary
• Designing Drowning Prevention Interventions:– Target parents & pool owners– When the pool is in-use– When the pool is not in-use
• When the pool is in-use:– “Active” supervision
• Lifeguard
• When the pool is not in-use:– Layers of protection
• Secure pool similar to a public/community pool
