After Several Area Drownings, Officials Offer Pool Safety Reminders

The recent heat wave sends many people to one of the many pools, rivers or lakes in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, with an increase in water recreation time comes a need for reviewing water safety to prevent a tragedy from occurring.

Already this summer several people have drowned in water-related accidents.

• A 4-year-old died in his family’s pool. The mother had left him in the care of an 8-year-old sibling in the house while she was busy for a few minutes. The mother found the boy in the pool and started CPR before emergency crews arrived, but all attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
• A 42-year-old Merrill man died in Crystal Lake while trying to help his daughter who was having trouble swimming. He was pulled to shore, but unable to be saved.
• A 22-month-old from Lomira died after falling into Lake Emily. He was taken to a state hospital and wasn’t breathing after falling off the pier. He was found floating at the end of the pier and died two days later.
• An 8-year-old girl who was found while on a camp outing with 75 campers at the Brookfield pool on July 3. She was pulled unconscious from the 4-foot-deep area of the pool on July 3 and rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

On average, Wisconsin sees 53 drownings yearly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said children should never been left unattended next to any bodies of water. To help increase safety, it is best to teach children basic safety tips; stay away from drains pipes and other openings and always have a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

July 22-29 is the government’s Pool Safely Campaign – hold events to promote water safety and encourage all Americans use the pool safely everyday. For more information, check out poolsafely.gov.

If you or your loved one has been involved in any type of water safety accident, it is imperative to contact a swimming pool accident attorney who can assist you. Call today for your free, initial consultation.