Each month, we see far too many reports of drowning deaths across the nation. As a company, Life Saver Pool Fence is dedicated to spreading awareness of water safety. A major part of this effort includes shining a light on a few of these tragedies. Alongside those sad stories, we are sharing stories of daring rescues by quick-thinking heroes. Together, these accounts aim to inspire our readers to become more aware of potential drowning dangers. Read on!
August’s Tales of Drowning Deaths and Heroic Rescues
CPR Saves Lives
Our first story comes from California, where a two-year-old girl was found floating face down in a community swimming pool. Fortunately, some resourceful bystanders were able to perform CPR. As of this reporting, she’s currently recouping in the hospital. The importance of CPR cannot be stated enough. Every able-bodied person should become CPR certified!
You can read the full story here.
A Pool Fence Adds a Critical Layer of Protection To Your Home
Our next tale does not have such a happy ending. Denisse Torres, a Florida mother was at work when she learned that her son had drowned in a backyard pool. Three-year-old Josiah Gonzalez was pulled from the swimming pool and rushed to the hospital while in critical condition. Sadly, the boy did not survive.
Josiah’s heartbroken mother told reporters, “Take extra precautions, watch your kids, hold your kids, because you never know when you’re not going to get them again.” To help other parents, she also explained that installing a pool fence or adding high locks to her home could have saved her son.
You can read the full story here.
Active Supervision Prevents Drowning Deaths
In our next story, disaster struck a beach in New Hampshire. As the water’s current became stronger, four swimmers and a well-meaning bystander suddenly found themselves in grave danger. A sudden rip tide swept them away. While the others reached safety, Michael and Laura Cote were not so lucky. Tragically, the married couple perished together. There were signs on the beach warning swimmers that no lifeguards were on duty… but there wasn’t a warning for a potential rip current.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to swim where a lifeguard is present. Drowning can happen in an instant. It is incredibly silent, and nothing like what you see in the movies. A lifeguard practicing active supervision is often able provide assistance in the nick of time.
You can read the full story here.
ISR is an Invaluable Life Saving Tool
On a brighter note, here’s an uplifting tale about a whip-smart 18-month-old girl. This little Florida girl fell into a swimming pool in Cape Coral. Her story is a prime example of why ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) lessons are so important! This toddler had just recently started her lessons, and was able to put them into use. She rolled onto her back… and her mother found her floating face-up. Thanks to her ISR lessons, the little girl is going to be okay!
You can teach your children this life-saving skill as young as six-months-old! At Life Saver Pool Fence, we cannot recommend ISR enough!
You can read the full story here.
Be Careful in the Bathtub
The bathtub can be an unlikely drowning hazard. One-year-old Logan Wade Sumeral was found unresponsive in a tub. The boy was rushed to the hospital, but to no avail. Nearly a week later, the family took him off life support.
This tragic story should remind all parents to always keep their children within arm’s reach while around water. That includes swimming in a pool or beach, but also while at home, taking a bath. In fact, a child can drown in as little as two inches of water. Above all, you should never leave your child unattended in a bathtub. Sumeral is another life lost far too young. Our hearts go out to the family.
You can read the full story here.
Wedding Story Heroes
Finally, let’s end August’s tales of drowning deaths and heroic rescues on a positive note.
Cindy and Zac Edwards were at the beach taking wedding photos. While there, a woman alerted the happy couple to a drowning swimmer. Knowing that her new hubby used to be a lifeguard and served in the Coast Guard, Cindy told Zac to jump into action! Zac immediately ran to the rescue! After all, you just have to listen to your new bride! In the end, this is a truly unusual wedding story, but a wonderful one!
As you can tell from the pictures, it was certainly a day to remember!
