Local paramedics respond to another near-drowning

Scottsdale paramedics responded to a near drowning Sunday afternoon.

Dan Ables with the Scottsdale Fire Department tells Fox 10 News that a 4-year-old boy was found face down in the pool. The boy's grandparents were watching the boy prior to this incident.

When paramedics arrived, the boy was in the house, awake and crying. Crews transported the boy to the hospital as a precaution.

Ables did not immediately know if there was a safety barrier around the pool.

Officials with the Scottsdale Fire Department would like to remind the community of the top four pool safety tips, adult Supervision, barriers, beach safety and boating safety, classes and drain safety.

• A – Adult supervision

Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around water, an adult should supervise within an arm's length of the children.

In addition to parental supervision, designate an adult "water watcher" (using a distinguishable item such as a lanyard or funny hat) whose sole responsibility is to watch the pool area for 15 minutes and not read, talk on the phone or be influenced by other distractions. After 15 minutes, give the distinguishable item to another adult for 15 minutes, and so forth. Ensure that the water watcher is a sober adult who knows CPR and has basic swimming skills.

Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. "Water wings," or "floaties," inflatable water rings and other pool toys are NOT safety devices. Only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are designed and tested for safety.

• B – Barriers, beach safety and boating safety

Have a properly working physical barrier around, on or in the pool (i.e. isolation fence, pool safety cover, pool alarm) that meets code requirements.

Have window and door alarms that sound when breached.

Always swim at a life guarded beach, and pay attention to the beach flags. Wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets while on a boat.

• C – Classes

Take a water safety course at a local aquatic facility to learn the skills necessary to survive in the water.
Take CPR classes.

• D – Drain Safety

Have a pool professional check residential drain covers to determine whether or not they are safe.

Encourage children to stay away from drains. Non compliant drain covers can cause suction entrapment injuries and possible death.

Those using a pool/spa should know where the cut off switch is for the pump in case a suction entrapment incident occurs.