Las Cruces Police are encouraging everyone – especially parents and caregivers – to follow basic swimming pool safety tips that can help save a life this summer.
Since 2007 two adults and one child have drowned in Las Cruces. Nationally, an estimated 250 children under five drown each year in swimming pools or hot tubs.
Las Cruces Police recommend following these and other safety tips:
- Never leave children, or elderly, unsupervised in or near a pool or hot tub.
- Do not assume that other children, or another adult, will keep watch of your child.
- Do not consider anyone “drown proof” because they’ve had swimming lessons.
- Do not rely on flotation devices, such as Floaties, as a substitute for supervision.
- Keep rescue equipment, including a telephone, near the pool and easily accessible at all times.
- Remove toys from pool after use so children are not tempted to reach for them.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol while swimming or supervising others.
- Remove pool covers completely before use and securely cover after each use.
- Properly secure or lock doors and gates that lead to unsupervised pools. Properly cover hot tubs when not in use.
- Ensure that babysitters and all other users know, and follow, pool safety rules.
- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and encourage others to do the same.
- Never allow children to play in, or near, drainage canals and irrigation ditches.