© 2024 KRCU Public Radio
90.9 Cape Girardeau | 88.9-HD Ste. Genevieve | 88.7 Poplar Bluff
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
With some questionable health advice being posted by your friends on Facebook, politicians arguing about the state of the American healthcare system and a new medical study being summarized in just a sentence or two on TV---that seems to contradict the study you heard summarized yesterday---it can be overwhelming to navigate the ever-changing landscape of health news.

National Water Safety Month

In June 2002, five-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker became stuck to a hot tub drain and, despite knowing how to swim, was unable to pull herself free. The little girl’s death prompted the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act which was signed into law in 2007.

May is National Water Safety Month.

As we head into the long, hot days of summer, it is important to keep in mind some simple steps to ensure that a day at the pool doesn’t end in tragedy.

The Consumer Product and Safety Commission provides these simple steps:
• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa
• Always watch a child when he or she is in or near water
• Teach children basic water safety
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments---while the act that bares Virginia’s name requires anti-entrapment drains be installed, you could be using  a pool that is not compliant.
• Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
• If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first

Also, make sure to keep an eye on children AFTER a day in the water. Secondary drowning can occur when a little bit of water gets into the lungs and causes inflammation or swelling that makes it difficult or impossible for the body to transfer oxygen to carbon dioxide.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises being on the lookout for:
Coughing
Increased Work of Breathing
Sleepiness
A change in behavior
Vomiting

Resources:

http://www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety-act/
http://www.poolsafely.gov/parents-families/simple-steps-save-lives/
http://apsp.org/Portals/47/Red%20Cross%20-%20Water%20Safety%20Tips.jpg
http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/dry-drowning/

Dr. Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs is an assistant professor in the Department of Leadership, Middle & Secondary Education. She writes for special publications of The Southeast Missourian and is a certified Community Health Worker.
Related Content