SUMMER 2012: At Least 4 Swimming Pool Deaths in San Bernardino County

California ranked second in the nation for pool and spa drownings of children younger than 15 for the summer of 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Thursday.

There were at least four swimming pool deaths in San Bernardino County this summer, including the deaths of a and a .

The other two involved a and the death of , who was later found to have PCP, cocaine, marijuana and alcohol in his system at the time of his death in Rialto, according to the coroner.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nationwide 137 children younger than 15 years drowned in pools or spas between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year.

An additional 168 children of that age required emergency response for near-fatal incidents in pools or spas during that period, according to an announcement.

"These figures are a strong indication that child drownings are a serious public health problem," CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said. "We are losing too many children to drowning, tragically cutting short these young lives and leaving families devastated."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following 12 states had the highest numbers of pool and spa drownings for children younger than 15 during the summer of 2012:

1.      Texas (17)                                     7.  Florida (6)  

2.      California (10)                               8.  Illinois (6) 

3.      Ohio (9)                                         9.  North Carolina (6)

4.      Arizona (8)                                   10. Alabama (5)          

5.      Michigan (8)                                 11. Georgia (5)

6.      Pennsylvania (7)                          12. New York (5)

The CPSC Pool Safely campaign advises parents, caregivers and pool owners take steps to ensure that children and adults stay safe around pools and spas:

• Stay close, be alert and watch children in and around the pool. Never leave children unattended in a pool or spa; always watch children closely around all bodies of water; teach children basic water safety tips; and keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings.
• Learn and practice water safety skills. Every family member should know how to swim. Learn how to perform CPR on both children and adults.
• Have appropriate equipment for your pool or spa. This includes pool fencing, a lockable safety cover for spas, proper drain covers to avoid entrapments, and lifesaving equipment such as life rings and a reaching pole.

For more information about pool safety, visit www.poolsafely.gov.

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