Illinois officials urge families to prioritize pool safety this summer
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois officials are reminding families to make pool safety a priority this summer as temperatures continue to climb across the state.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is encouraging parents and caregivers to practice constant supervision and follow basic water safety precautions to help prevent drownings and serious injuries.
“A day at the pool should create lasting memories for all the right reasons,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said. “Unfortunately, drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent, making constant supervision absolutely critical.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. The agency reports more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur each year in the United States.
Officials recommend:
- Installing a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around pools and spas.
- Designating an adult “Water Watcher” to actively supervise children near the water.
- Never leaving children unattended in or around water.
- Teaching children how to swim and learning CPR.
- Keeping pools secured when not in use by locking gates and removing ladders or steps from above-ground pools.
- Ensuring pool drain covers meet federal safety standards.
Officials also reminded pool owners to handle pool chemicals carefully, noting that improper use results in about 4,500 emergency department visits nationwide each year.
Families can take the Pool Safety Pledge and learn more about water safety at PoolSafety.gov.
