Summer is the time when families can relax and head off to the pool. But before you and your children go swimming, make sure that you understand how to be safe in the water.

All pools, everything from small backyard inflatable pools to commercial water parks, are dangerous. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as reported by Beasley Allen, there are about 300 pool and spa related deaths per year for children under 5 years old. The CPSC has come up with some tips to prevent drowning:

-Look in the Pool First: Precious time is often wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool. Since every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool or spa first. Be prepared for an emergency by having rescue equipment and a phone near the pool. Also, parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

-Drowning is Silent: Parents may think that if their child falls in the water, they will hear lots of splashing and screaming, and that they will be able to come to the rescue. Many times, however, children slip under the water silently. Even people in the pool have reported hearing nothing out of the ordinary during drowning incidents.

If you or someone you know has lost a child to tragic circumstances, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents. Our Ohio child accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Swimming pools are very dangerous, especially for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you not put a swimming pool in your yard until your child is at least five years old.

TIPP, the injury prevention program of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has offered tips to protect your children from drowning:

4. Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd’s hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.

NOTE: The AAP warns that teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our Ohio pool accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

We represent Ohio personal injury clients from Toledo, Maumee, Delta, Port Clinton, Bowling Green, McClure, Napoleon, Helena, Fremont, Fostoria, Tiffin, Cygnet, North Baltimore, Ottawa, Findlay, Carey, Bryan, Sandusky, Swanton, Perrysburg, Grand Rapids, Waterville, Liberty Center, Portage, West Millgrove, Woodville, Genoa, Gibsonburg, Findlay, Risingsun, Deshler, Hamler, Oregon, Sylvania, Delta, Weston, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Clyde, Lorain, Ottawa Hills, Rossford, Millbury, Walbridge, Holland, Northwood, and Whitehouse. We also serve those who live in Lucas, Wood, Seneca, Lorain, Fulton, Erie, Hancock, and Sandusky Counties.