Last Updated on November 23, 2020
With the summer season in full swing, swimming is one of the most popular pastimes. Swimming can be fun but without care, it can be dangerous too; this is why pool safety needs to be a priority for all pool owners and parents. When it comes to drowning there are two types you need to be familiar with; dry and secondary drowning.
Pool Safety and the Importance of Secondary Drowning
Dry drowning occurs when a child inhales water through the nose or mouth, causing a spasm in the airway and breathing problems. The water never enters the lungs because the vocal cords spasm preventing it from reaching there, which is why it is called dry drowning. Death is a result of the vocal cords preventing air from getting to the lungs. Secondary drowning is caused when water is inhaled into the lungs. As a result inflammation and swelling occurs. Edema (swelling) can occur for hours or even days and death is delayed due to the swelling of the air sacs in the lungs which prevents oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. Because death is delayed, there are symptoms to watch out for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Choking
- Persistent coughing
- Lethargy
Despite being rare occurrences, you must seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that your child is experiencing dry or secondary drowning. Submersion is the number one cause of death by drowning in young children. You can prevent this by monitoring your kids at all times and always have a designated watcher who is sober and alert. You should also invest in swim lessons for your child, and vests and flotation devices must be mandatory around every pool. It is also a good investment to get a secure pool fence with a gate around your pool. A child’s risk of drowning is increased by factors such as seizure disorders and lack of swimming ability, but the most common problem is easy access to the pool. Pool fences for kids are the best way to keep them away from the water when you are not around. There are times when you cannot watch your child every second and you need to know the pool is not a danger should they go exploring.
You also need to check with your local city council to ensure you get a fence that is the mandated height. Having a fence around the pool reduces the risk of drowning by 83 percent according to the Center for Diseases and Control. The average cost of a pool enclosure is $4K, and this is only a fraction of the cost of a pool. Pool enclosures can incorporate a variety of attractive pool fence design features, including glass, mesh screens, a gazebo or even a retractable cover, and can improve pools functionality as well as its safety. Or you forgo all the accessories and features and invest in a solid and reliable, yet simple fence to protect your family. Mesh fencing is the best option because they are sturdy and cannot be climbed. These are also the most affordable option. You do not need the most expensive fence to get the best quality as mesh fences proven time and time again that they can successfully keep even the most curious children out. These fences are also easy to maintain so upkeep is not costly.
Final thoughts
A child drowning is a tragedy but it can be prevented. Investing in a pool fence is as worthwhile as investments come. You should still always ensure there is adequate supervision at all times but the additional security of a fence or pool cover helps create an even safer pool environment. There is no price to put on the safety of your family and children.
