His Super Powers Don’t Work In Water.

As part of our "Summer of Safety" program, this week will focus on pool/water safety.  For those of you with children, the below says it all.

Super Powers

Splash into Summer SAFELY!

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or the pool. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges you to follow these important tips to ensure safety around the water:

Never leave children unattended around any body of water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.).

Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious. Being left alone in or around water without supervision can be fatal. Do not leave water or any other solutions unattended in buckets or other containers - a child can drown in as little as two inches of water.

 

Learn to swim. But remember - even good swimmers can drown.

Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children and never swim alone.

 

Learn CPR.

Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible brain damage or death.

 

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.

Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

 

Watch out for the "dangerous too's"

...too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

 

Always have a phone

Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

 

Know where your children are at all times.

Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

 

Don't rely on substitutes.

The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Pool Safety PSA

This past weekend, here in Montgomery County and across the metro area, provided a stark reminder that we all need to be vigilant when hitting the local swimming pool. Please take a moment to watch the below reminder from our friends at Montgomery County Recreation.

 

Going to the Pool or Beach This Weekend? Keep These Water Safety Tips in Mind!

Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:  

• Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.   
• Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical. 
• Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.   
• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.
• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
• Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.
• Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Lifeguards Honored with Everyday Hero Award For Saving Drowning Child

As summer temperatures rise and area pools see increased traffic, swimmers in distress are not always easily identifiable. Lifeguard Abigail Baruch Fry and Pool Manager Colleen Hamm were honored by officials from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service this past Saturday for their quick, decisive and life-saving actions on May 29th

when a 12-year old guest at the swimming pool was rescued from the bottom of the pool. The lifeguards immediately initiated the rescue, revived the child with CPR and the child was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and has since been released.  

Lifeguard Abigail Fry is a rising junior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and Colleen Hamm is a pool manager with Bethesda Aquatics who is currently applying to medical schools when she’s not saving lives. The 12-year old recently returned to the pool to receive swimming lessons, courtesy of his rescuers. Lifeguards from Bethesda Aquatics and Little Falls Swim Club receive extensive training to ensure they’re ready should duty call.  Video below is from WJLA Channel 7 report.

Splash into Summer SAFELY!

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or the pool. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges you to follow these important tips to ensure safety around the water:

Never leave children unattended around any body of water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.).

Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious. Being left alone in or around water without supervision can be fatal. Do not leave water or any other solutions unattended in buckets or other containers - a child can drown in as little as two inches of water.

Learn to swim. But remember - even good swimmers can drown.

Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children and never swim alone.

Learn CPR.

Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible brain damage or death.

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.

Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Watch out for the "dangerous too's"

...too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

Always have a phone

Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Know where your children are at all times.

Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

Don't rely on substitutes.

The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Close Supervision Key to Safety Around Water

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4
and it’s the third leading cause of death among children

As summer arrives and pools are opening, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials are urging residents to take proper precautions around the water and to diligently supervise children when they are around any water sources. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related injuries can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and the Department of Recreation are joining forces to promote the importance of water safety throughout the summer. Residents are urged to review these water safety tips to increase safety

around the water: 

• Be attentive.  Research from the National Safe Kid Campaign shows that nearly 9 out of 10 children between the ages of 1 and 14 who drowned were under supervision when they died. How is this possible? Distractions – cell phones, ipads, reading materials, chores and socializing needs to be resisted when you are on “lifeguard duty” watching your child. Be engaged and committed to watching them constantly. The study defined supervision as being in someone’s care, not necessarily in direct line of sight.
  
  
• Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Make sure they know how to tread water, float on their backs and get to the edge of the pool and hang on. Even the most experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.    
  
  
• Teaching your child how to swim does not mean that your child is “drown-proof.” If you have a pool or are visiting a pool, protect your children by supervising them at all times and being prepared in case of an emergency. Consider designating a adult “water watcher” when children are participating in water activities. 

• Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  
  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. In the time it might take paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could make a difference in saving someone’s life. 

• Avoid relying on inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties” and “noodles” to keep your child safe. These toys are not designed to keep your child safe, can deflate or shift quickly and should never be used as a substitute for supervision. Use only Coast Guard approved flotation devices that your swimmer properly. 

• Lifeguards are an important safety feature but are NOT intended to replace the close supervision of parents or caregivers. Remember, lifeguards are not babysitters.
  
  
• Maintain constant supervision of children around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you. Remember: swim lessons are no substitute for the supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical.  

• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in designated areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end, of a supervised pool. 

• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather. 

• Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. 

• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Water Safety

Lieutenant Pete Hageman appeared on County Report This Week to pass along some water safety tips. There have already been three near drownings in the county in the last couple of weeks! Please take a moment to watch the video to learn more. In addition, please feel free to GO HERE for more tips. As always - Be SAFE!!!

Going to the Pool or Beach This Weekend? Keep These Water Safety Tips in Mind.

Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:  

• Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.   
• Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical. 
• Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.   
• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.
• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
• Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.
• Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Splash into Summer Safely! Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:

 Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.

 Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.

 Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

 Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical.

 Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.

 Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.

 Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

 Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

 Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

 Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

 Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Splash into Summer SAFELY!

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or the pool. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges you to follow these important tips to ensure safety around the water:

Never leave children unattended around any body of water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.).

Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious. Being left alone in or around water without supervision can be fatal. Do not leave water or any other solutions unattended in buckets or other containers - a child can drown in as little as two inches of water.

Learn to swim. But remember - even good swimmers can drown.
Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children and never swim alone.

Learn CPR.
Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible brain damage or death.

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.
Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Watch out for the "dangerous too's"
...too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

Always have a phone
Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Know where your children are at all times.
Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

Don't rely on substitutes.
The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Community and Residential Pool Safety Tips

Chief Richard Bowers wants you to know that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 14 and under, taking nearly 1,000 children s lives each year. For every drowning, it is estimated that there are four near-drownings that result in hospitalization. The Chief would also ask that you please take a few minutes to go over the below safety tips!

Safety Tips

• Take Swimming lessons and learn CPR
• Play it safe around water. Stay out if there is no lifeguard or grown-up around.
• Swim only when rested.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• Young children should always swim with an adult.it a buddy.
• Never eat candy or chew gum when you are swimming You could choke.
• Get out of the water, and seek appropriate shelter, if you hear thunder or see lightning.
• Do not mess around! Running, pushing, or shoving people can cause serious injury to you or your friends.
• Follow posted rules.
• Always raise your hands over your head when diving.
• Consider water wings or other similar flotation devices for young children.
• Regularly check that the gate latches securely and that the spring mechanisms work properly.
• Do not allow children to play in the pool area. Remove all toys or anything a child might want to get from the vicinity.
• Post the 911 emergency number in the pool area.
• Keep lifesaving equipment, such as a pole, life preserver and rope in the pool area. Hang them from a fence or wall so people will not trip on them.
• Have a phone handy in the pool area. DO NOT answer the phone while your children are in the pool; use the phone only in emergencies to call 911.
• NEVER leave children unattended in the pool area. In the time it takes to sign for a package at your front door (4 to 6 minutes), a child submerged in the pool can sustain permanent brain damage.
• Encourage your neighbors with pools to follow pool safety guidelines, including keeping their back gates and doors locked, and their pool gates secure.
• When at a Public/Community pool adults should always supervise their children even with a lifeguard present.

Pool Safety

Sadly, we have experienced a couple of drownings and near drownings in the county thus far this summer. I would like to refer everyone to a couple of items below that will hopefully help raise awareness and make everyone out there a little bit safer.

Please take a moment to read a related article in the Gazette: Pooling their resources for water safety

Also, please take a moment to view our Pool Safety tips.

Stay Safe,

Bill