Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer- BBQ's, backyard bashes, and the opening of many swimming pools across the country. But before you let your children dive in for the season ask yourself this question- is your pool safe? Your answer would probably be a resounding, "of course!" How could it not be? Well, you'd be surprised. The dangers in and around pools go beyond the obvious.
In 2007 six-year old Abigail Taylor became entrapped by the drain in a wading pool at her family's private swim and golf club. After nine months of hospitalization and surgeries including a multiple organ transplant, Abbey passed away. Her death could have been prevented and Abbey's hope was that no child would have to suffer as she did. Her parents, Scott and Katey Taylor are keeping that wish alive through the efforts of Abbey's Hope Charitable Foundation. In her name they work fiercely to raise awareness and keep kids safe in and around pools, spas and open bodies of water.
Abbey was in a kiddy pool. She knew how to swim. This unforeseen danger could have been prevented with an anti-entrapment pool drain cover and safety vacuum release system. Please make sure that the pools you and your children swim in this summer meet the anti-entrapment standards set in place by the Virginia Graeme Baker Act which requires all public pools meet these drain standards. Unfortunately not all are in compliance and private pools and hot tubs pose huge dangers as well, especially for kids. Be aware. Be cautious. Be safe.
First and foremost- Be Vigilant. Make sure an adult is watching children in the pool or spa at all times. Become a "Water Watchdog". Use this tag created by Abbey's Hope Foundation and don't rely on lifeguards or other adults to be on alert. Drowning is second only to car crashes as the leading cause of unintentional death among children. It is fast, silent, and unfortunately happens way too often. I encourage you to become a Water Watchdog by going online, taking the pledge, and helping to avoid accidents or drownings.
What else? Teach swimming and lifesaving skills. Knowing how to swim well is essential. Take classes in First Aid and CPR and have an emergency plan. When at the pool always have a cell phone on hand.
Install barriers. Every pool should have an isolation fence surrounding it on all sides. Gates should be self-latching and locking. Keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.
And finally, Know Your Drains! Ask your pool if they are in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. If you spot one that is non-compliant, loose, missing, or broken report it to the owner or operator immediately.
Every year Abbey's Hope does more than talk the talk about water safety. They walk the walk. This year they awarded $35,000 in grants to The Greater Twin Cities YMCA Water Safety Instruction Program that allows local kids from immigrant and low income backgrounds to be equipped with basic water safety skills and awareness. Now that is honoring Abbey's Hope.
And finally, today is what would have been Abbey's 11th birthday. Two weeks from yesterday she should be walking in her 5th grade graduation ceremony with my own son. Celebrate her memory by educating yourself, being vigilant and spreading the word about water safety. Pass this post around, go to the Abbey's Hope website and do your part to make sure this never, ever happens to another child again.
*water safety tips provided by Abbey's Hope Charitable Foundation
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