Rep. Peters, Lifeguards, Drowning Prevention Advocate Urge Families to ‘Pool Safely’ This Summer

SAN DIEGO – Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) joined with San Diego Lifeguard Lonnie Stephens and Mary Ann Downing of Safe Kids San Diego’s Drowning Prevention Task Force to raise awareness for San Diego families about pool and beach safety and drowning prevention. Ruth Cassidy of the Boys and Girls Club of Clairemont Mesa also spoke about their learn-to-swim programs.

Memorial Day is the traditional start of pool and beach swimming season across the country. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between ages 1 and 4.

“While it is pool season year round here in San Diego, as schools let out for the summer it is important to raise awareness and provide parents and families with information about preventing tragedies at our beaches and pools,” Rep. Peters said.

“By increasing awareness around a few simple steps including staying alert and watching children around the pool, learning and practicing water skills, and having appropriate safety equipment at your pool – all tips promoted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission – we can prevent these terrible accidents from happening,” Peters continued.

More than 375 pool or spa-related drownings of children 15 and under occur each year. In San Diego, there were 99 unintentional drowning deaths of children under age 19 between 2000 and 2013, according to the California Department of Health.

More information about pool safety efforts, including resources for parents and families, listings of recalled products, and ways to share your story can be accessed at PoolSafely.gov or on Peters’ website at ScottPeters.House.Gov.

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