……..or are the adults who don’t properly supervise their children in or around water the problem? Good Morning America aired a segment about how portable pools increase drowning risks and I couldn’t disagree more. The pools themselves are not the root of the problem; unsupervised children using them is. I thought it interesting that Dr. Gary Smith tried to make some comparison between cars having seat belts and the much-needed safety features of portable pools. Lets compare:
Cars are motorized vehicles traveling alongside other motorized vehicles, with unpredictable, sometimes drunk, distracted, poor or inexperienced drivers. A seat belt sounds like a great idea. A car is the most dangerous environment for your child and you load them in one daily. There are so many risks and unpredictable variables while driving a car that I would certainly hope that they have these safety features.
Then you have a container that holds water and water is dangerous; there is no question. However, manufacturers provide directions, warnings and instructions for the safe use of these pool’s, including stressing how critical adult supervision is to your childs safety. The environment should theoretically be a non-factor if the instructions are followed, but the water and the child are the two components that make for such a dangerous situation. Now how is the pool itself the cause of accidental drowning? Children in water with parents watching, touching and providing security and protection should prevent a drowning from ever occurring. Bathtubs are equally responsible for drowning deaths in the home; should they come equipped with added safety features? I say no; common sense tells me that I can’t be too cautious and should never leave my daughter alone in or around water. It is my responsibility and my love for her that drives me to protect her from any harm; my parental instincts.
Nothing replaces parental or adult supervision…no pool or toy replaces your supervisory duties; they’re not your babysitter. Every accidental drowning can be avoided if direct supervision is the priority. Dr. Smith, start encouraging parents and caregivers to pay closer attention to their children when in, around or near bodies of water, educate them on the risks and precautionary measures and stop blaming products for these tragic accidents.
