‘NOT ON MY WATCH’

Drowning injuries and fatalities are so commonplace that the stories could fill up whole newspapers.

The CDC estimates that about 10 people die from drowning in the U.S. every day. Children ages 1 through 4 have the highest drowning rates and most of those drownings happen in home swimming pools.

Drowning events are real, tragic, frequently preventable,and much more than just statistics.

There are measures that service technicians can take to promote drowning awareness.

Speak to parents about removing toys and other temptations from the pool area.

Encourage parents to learn about the layers of protection:pool covers, gates and alarms.

Remind parents there is no substitution for total supervision around the pool area.

Service professionals are in peoples’ backyards every day, and in a unique position to point out danger areas, but may not do so unless the drowning problem is brought home to them.

To that end, the following is a description of just some of the drowning incidents that have recently occurred.

WashingtonD.C.,December23—

Jazmin Jefferson, 21, a lifeguard at the Roosevelt Aquatic Center, died three weeks after drowning in the pool where she worked.

Honolulu, Hawaii, January 2 —

Angus Mitchell, 53, the only son of legendary hairstylist Paul Mitchell, was found dead in a swimming pool.

Phoenix, Arizona, January 5 —

A man in his 80s was found dead in his swimming pool.

Miami, Florida, January 5 —

A 1-year-old was fighting for his life after a drowning incident at an alleged illegal short-term rental pool.

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, January 10 —

Rosinha Pereira, 71, drowned in her hot tub while her caretaker was sleeping, according to charges filed. The woman had Parkinson’s Disease and required 24/7 care.