Six near drownings of kids under 3 in a 24-hour period in Orange County
Orange County was struck by a series of drownings and near drownings over the last weekend, according to Orange County Firefighters. Between Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in a period of less than 24 hours, six children ages 1-4 all had near drowning. A seventh victim, a 85-year-old Placentia woman did drown in a backyard swimming pool.
Keep kids safe from Orange county swimming Pools
Orange County firefighters stated that in 2016, there were a total of 110 incidents with 51 involving swimming pools. Many of which account for drownings of kids in Orange County.
Prevention of drownings of kids in Orange County
Pool Guard suggests prevention of drownings of kids in Orange County is done by use of the following. Supervision, pool barriers such as pool fences, pool and spa covers, and swimming pool safety nets. However, knowledge of emergency actions such as CPR and contacting paramedics is also part of keeping kids safe from pools. When used together its known as “layers of protection”.
The first near drowning was involving a 3-year old at a Aliso Viejo birthday party. Luckily, a doctor was at the party and able to give CPR until paramedics arrived. The second was in the afternoon at a Laguna Niguel swimming pool where a 2-year old child, who previously had on a life vest managed to get back into the pool without it. The third near drowning was in Irvine. Again a person that was pool side was able to perform CPR. The fourth accident was at a community pool in Lake Forest. Involving a 3-year old that got back into the pool without his previously worn flotation device. On Sunday morning OC lifeguards assisted a 1-year old in the waves at the beach. In the afternoon in Tustin a 2-year old girl was found under water at a community swimming pool. Chest compression before paramedics arrived.
All six children were transported to community hospitals by OCFA and will survive. The children recovery in at least three cases is due in part to the quick action and knowledge of CPR or chest compression. This was done before Orange County Fire Authority paramedics arrived on site. While the best step to keep children safe from swimming pools is to prevent drowning, a very important part in keeping children alive after a drowning is knowing CPR.
Understand how to protect your kids from the dangers of drowning.
This week, during Labor Day take time to understand how to protect your kids from the dangers of drowning. Drownings of kids in Orange County can be prevented by use of “layers of protection” at home with sliding door alarms, self-closing doors as well as a secondary pool barrier such as a mesh removable pool fence or swimming pool safety net. While kids are in the pool, designate an adult to watch the kids, use life vests, and have CPR instructions in the back yard. Be extra vigilant when guests and alcohol are present during parties or barbecues.