If you were to go missing, how long would it be before you would expect your family to start searching for you?  If you went missing and the last time anyone saw you was at the public pool, would your family think to check the pool for you?  Marie Joseph’s story will make you think again about leaving your child at the pool for the afternoon.

How many times have you went to the public pool and noticed that there are many more children there than adults?  How many times have you known children who are dropped off at the pool on a daily basis through the Summer?  Can the lifeguards always watch everything that happens in a pool of splashing kids?  Do you feel comfortable placing your child’s life in the hands of an unknown lifeguard?

Staying Safe in Community Pools

By checking to see if a public pool or spa is using appropriate water safety practices, you can further assure the safety of you, your family and your community. These are helpful questions to ask when you and your family visit a public pool or spa:

Having the Appropriate Equipment

• Are there fences that limit access to the pool and spa?
• Has the pool or spa been inspected to ensure it is compliant with federal and local laws and regulations?
• Are the new safety drain covers being used in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act?
• Do pool and spa pumps appear to be running?
• Is there life-saving equipment such as life rings and reaching poles available for use?

Staying Close, Being Alert and Watching Children in and Around the Pool

• Is there a lifeguard at the pool or spa to watch children and adults?
• Are you watching your own child or children when they’re in or around the water?
• Are there water safety rules posted in a visible area for adults and children to review?
• Is there sufficient staff to monitor the pool or spa when it’s in heavy use?
• Is there a charged phone close by at all times?

Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills

• Do you and your children know how to swim?
• Is the staff trained and certified in first aid and emergency response?
• Do you know how to perform CPR on children and adults? Are those skills updated regularly?
• Do you understand the basics of life-saving, so you can assist in a pool emergency?

Marie Joseph’s drowning brings out a lot of questions.  I am mesmerized by this public pool drowning.  How can someone drown and remain in the pool for two days before being noticed? Check out this story and send in your comments.