Avoiding Water Tragedies

Parents often think swimming lessons are the best way to avoid water tragedies. But kids who know how to swim are apt to take chances a more mature person would never take.

Drengenberg says that you can avoid accidents by applying a simple 10/20 rule: "A supervising adult should scan the pool every 10 seconds and be within 20 seconds of reaching the pool."

When families get together, everyone may think that someone else is watching the pool, which can mean that no one is watching the pool. You need to appoint at least one adult to supervise. And while adults may be tempted to ask an older child to look out for the younger ones, an older child is still a child -- and children are easily distracted. An adult should always be assigned to pool duty.

Inner tubes, floaties and water wings can create a false sense of security. They aren’t life preservers and can deflate quickly, leaving a child floundering. It’s also easy lose a grip on swimming “noodles,” which keep kids afloat only as long as they grasp them tightly.

“Unlike the movies, kids don’t scream and thrash,” Drengenberg said. “Drowning is a silent death. They simply slide under the water and are never heard from again.”

If a child is missing, don’t waste time looking around the house or neighborhood. Go directly to the pool. Drengenberg explains that the quicker you get the child out, the better the survival rate with minimal brain damage.

To ensure the safety of wading pools, remove all toys, empty the pool and turn it upside down. Hot tubs, too, pose a hazard. Always keep them locked and covered.

In-ground and large pools that require particular vigilance -- not just for the family, but also for uninvited neighborhood kids who might sneak in when you’re away. You’ll need to install at least a 4-foot fence with self-latching gates that a young child can’t reach. The addition of an alarm that sounds when the gate is opened further increases safety.

To improve swimming pool safety, have drains inspected for cracks and teach kids to stay away from their suction. Trim overhanging branches so adventure-seekers won’t be tempted to swing from the limbs while swimming.

You also need to be smart about where you and your kids swim. Know how deep the water is and avoid isolated swimming spots, as you need someone to hear you if you call for help. Leave the cold-water swimming to the real polar bears. If the water temperature is less than 70 degrees F, it can trigger hypothermia.

What Is the UL?

UL, an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, was founded in 1894 when William Henry Merrill opened the Underwriters' Electrical Bureau and conducted the first test on noncombustible insulation. By 1895, Merrill had developed a set of safety standards, and the staff of three at the organization -- which was later renamed "Underwriters Laboratories" -- issued 75 reports to customers. Just four years later, the number of tested products had grown to 1,000 and included lamps, fire alarm boxes, fuses and heaters.By the numbers:• Today, UL has 95 laboratories and testing facilities around the globe.• UL is an independent global safety science company and receives no funding from the government. • 19,000 categories and up to 100,000 products are tested annually ranging from Christmas decorations to electrical appliances of all sizes for home and industry, as well as safety devices like life jackets. • A product must pass 100 percent of the approved safety tests before receiving the UL Mark that guarantees it meets all necessary standards.• The UL label is so well-respected that most business establishments refuse to sell products without it. • 22.4 billion UL Marks appeared on products in 2011.

Boating Safety

Water safety doesn't apply only to swimming. When it comes to all water activities, safety should always be your first consideration.

"If you're boating," Drengenberg said, “make sure you have U.S. Coast Guard-approved/UL-Listed Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets/PFDs) for each person onboard. Approved vests turn an unconscious wearer’s face up in the water and offer a better chance for rescue." The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 88 percent of people who die in boating accidents are not wearing PFDs.

Specific PFDs are designed for activities like boogie boarding, kite surfing, paddle boarding and water-skiing -- and each has different requirements. Every boat must be equipped with the appropriate PFDs to fit the "crew" and suit their activities.

Jackets should fit snugly and be tested in shallow water to see how they perform. Look for rips and holes, and make sure straps and hardware are in place. Check for fit by pulling up on the jacket’s shoulders to make sure it keeps a child’s chin and ears from slipping through the neck holes. As children grow, buy larger PFDs just as you buy new clothes and shoes.

Playing in the water should be fun -- and safe -- for everyone.