‘PARTNERING WITH THE NDPA’
By The NDPA The Stories Behind the Campaign The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of drowning, particularly among children aged 1-4, where it stands as the leading cause of death according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In our latest campaign, ‘The Clothes They Wore,’ we share the poignant stories of five children who tragically lost their lives to non-swim drowning incidents. This campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the ever-present dangers of water and the critical need for vigilance, even during non-swim times. You can share this campaign with your clients to share the importance of using the 5 layers of protection to keep families safer in and around water.
Understanding the Gravity of Drowning
Drowning is a silent, fast, and often unnoticed danger. For children aged 1-4, it surpasses all other causes of death. This statistic alone should have us all leaping into action, particularly those of us involved in the pool service industry, where you have a unique position to influence safety practices and awareness.
‘The Clothes They Wore’campaign focuses on real stories from families who have endured the heart-wrenching loss of their children to non-swim drownings. These stories are not just narratives; they are powerful testimonies to the fact that 70 percent of drownings happen during non-swim times. This statistic underscores the importance of comprehensive safety measures that go beyond just the pool area.
Each story in ‘The Clothes They Wore’ is a stark reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly tragedy can strike. Here’s a brief look at the stories featured: 1. Levi’s Story: Levi was a three-year-old boy with lots of love to give. Levi got up after dinner, and somehow found his way to the pool. Levi was found face down in the backyard pool.
2. Edna Mae’s Story: Nineteen-month-old Edna Mae was a joyful young one. She had left the room she was in while her mom unpacked the groceries and ended up drowning in the backyard pool.
3. Gunner’s Story: Two-year-old Gunner was a vibrant boy who was put down for a nap, but the sliding glass door to the pool and his bedroom door were open. He was found in the backyard pool.
4. Joshua’s Story: Joshua was a two-year-old who loved playing with his family and friends. He was wearing a regular diaper and during play time found his way unsupervised to the pool where he was found.
5. Jack’s Story: Jack was a four-year-old who had an infectious smile and fun personality. Jack was found in the lake in the backyard after they had been done swimming for the day.
Each of these stories emphasizes a common and tragic theme: the drownings occurred during times when the families were not swimming. This reinforces the need for constant supervision and robust safety measures.
The Role of Pool Service Professionals
As pool service professionals, you are on the front lines of pool safety. Your role goes beyond maintenance; it includes advocating for and implementing safety measures that can prevent these tragedies. Here are some key actions you can take: 1. Educate Families: Inform your clients about the importance of constant supervision and the risks of non-swim drownings. Share statistics and stories to drive the point home.
2. Promote Barriers: Encourage the installation of physical barriers, such as fences and pool covers, that can prevent children from accessing the pool unsupervised.
3. Suggest Alarms: Recommend pool alarms that alert caregivers when someone enters the pool area. These can be lifesaving devices that provide an extra layer of security.
4. Offer Safety Checks:
Regularly inspect pools for potential hazards and ensure that all safety measures are in place and functioning correctly.
5. Distribute Educational Materials: Provide families with brochures and resources from the NDPA that outline best practices for water safety. You can find free resources in the Aquatic & Pool Professional Toolkit.
‘The Clothes They Wore’campaign is a call to action for everyone involved in the care and maintenance of pools. By sharing these stories and emphasizing the reality that 70 percent of drownings occur during non-swim times, we aim to highlight the importance of comprehensive safety practices.
Pool service professionals like you have a crucial role in this effort, and together, we can work toward preventing these heartbreaking incidents and keeping our children safe.
