April Pools Day raises awareness of drowning dangers

Southern Nevada had nine fatal drowning incidents in 2015 — the most since 2009 — and the Southern Nevada Child Drowning Prevention Coalition is doing something about it with its April Pools Day media event.

The coalition joined Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County at the Henderson Multigenerational Center activity pool for the seventh annual April Pools Day event Thursday morning.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children in Southern Nevada, with residential swimming pools posing the greatest risk, according to the nonprofit coalition.

The Southern Nevada Health District reported 44 submersion incidents and nine fatalities in 2015, compared to 2014’s 34 submersions and two fatalities.

Southern Nevada elected officials, including members of the Henderson and North Las Vegas City Councils and the Clark County Commission, spoke about the importance of water safety. A mock drowning and rescue demonstration showed the importance of water safety and preparedness.

“Drownings are a concern all year in our community but the risks increase as the weather warms up and swimming pools become a popular pastime for children and families,” said Commissioner Susan Brager, an active member of the Drowning Prevention Coalition.

Parents who have lost children, or have children who suffer from submersion-related brain damage shared their stories and work to help educate other parents.

Coalition Chairman Greg Blackburn said the event aims “to educate parents that drowning is not like in the movies,” he said. “It is a natural reaction to breathe, small children don’t exhale and scream for help, they just sink and quietly disappear.”

“We tell people to learn the ABC&D’s of drowning prevention,” Blackburn said.

A = Adult supervision constantly, including hiring lifeguards for pool parties

B = Barriers like perimeter fences and securing doggy doors so children can’t crawl through

C = Classes, including swim lessons and CPR

D = Devices such as life jackets and rescue tools

Water safety awareness and education can help to prevent drowning and water-related injuries, he said.

The Southern Nevada chapter of the International Code Council is donating $19,000 to drowning prevention efforts this year. This community committee also offers free swimming lessons to low-income children.

“Losing a child is devastating but it is preventable,” North Las Vegas Councilwoman Anita Wood said.

Review-Journal reporter Lawren Linehan contributed to this story. Contact Raven Jackson at rjackson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow her on Twitter: @ravenmjackson