by Carin Kirkegaard

Memorial Day weekend brings the advent of summer and the opening of many Castle Pines North (CPN) neighborhood pools. With the long lazy days of summer nearly upon CPN residents it is important to remember safety in and around the water.

According to the National Safe Kids organization, “drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages one to four and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under.”

Supervision is the key to drowning prevention. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds and usually occurs when the responsible adult is momentarily distracted from watching a child.

Although lifeguards do provide another layer of supervision, it can also give a false sense of security. Never assume someone else is watching a child. Keep non-swimmers within arms reach. Do not rely on flotation devices like water wings to keep small children afloat. And, make sure to empty wading pools after use.

Most importantly, while at the neighborhood pools make sure to keep eyes and ears open at all times.

For tips on water safety visit the CPN website at www.cpnhoa.org.