After a long winter, Western and Central New Yorkers are welcoming summer. Unfortunately, every year in the United States, there are an estimated 4,500 unintentional drownings, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which reports 4,500 deaths due to drowning each year from 2020-2022, 500 more per year compared to 2019. Drowning is also one of the leading causes of unintentional death in children between the ages of 1 and 9, while children ages 1–4 have the highest drowning rates. Most childhood drownings occur in swimming pools, even under supervision. AAA Insurance has tips leading into pool season for parents and caregivers.

“When warmer weather arrives, many people look to cool off in the pool, but safety should always come first,” said David Kirst, Insurance Manager at AAA Western and Central New York. “Pool owners and their guests should follow simple safety precautions to ensure swimming remains both safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Have proper pool equipment:

• Use a safety cover when your pool is not in use. Pool covers should tightly cover the entire pool so children or pets cannot slip underneath.
• Surround your pool with a fence or other barrier.
• Keep your pool clean and clear. Keep children away from pool filters and other mechanical devices.
• Keep lifesaving equipment nearby. Life rings, floats or a reaching pole should be easily accessible.

Learn and teach water safety skills:

• Supervise children at all times. Have inexperienced swimmers swim stay with an adult in the pool and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved vest.
• Limit alcohol use. The CDC reports that alcohol is involved in 70 percent of all teen and adult deaths associated with water recreation.
• Regularly check the pool area for any potential accident hazards.
• Don’t leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use. Kids may fall into the pool trying to reach them.
• Take CPR and first aid training or refresh your training. Those trainings save lives every year.

It’s important to contact your insurance company and let your insurance agent know if you have a pool to make sure you have the right coverage. For more information, call your AAA insurance agent or visit your local branch. You can learn more at www.AAA.com/Insurance.