How to Keep Your Toddler Safe by the Pool This Summer
It was a heartbreaking tragedy for Olympic skier Bode Miller and his family as he announced the death of their 19-month-old daughter on Monday.
Baby Emeline “Emmy,” was found unresponsive in a swimming pool Saturday as the Millers were reportedly at their neighbor’s home in Coto de Caza, a gated community in Orange County, Calif.
Emmy was taken to the hospital, but could not be saved. She died Sunday.
"Most parents believe it can’t happen to them, but it can," Jim Spears, the president of swimming safety organization SwimJim, told Inside Edition.
Spears provided some tips to ensure your children will be safe by the pool this summer.
First, parents must always keep their eyes on their children and avoid electronics like smartphones or iPads.
"Parents first off need to know that supervision is their priority," Spears said. "They need to pay attention to their children."
He also recommends the use of a "Water Watcher Tag," which will ensure that an adult is watching the pool at all times. The person in possession of the tag must remain in the pool until handing it off to another responsible adult.
In regard to pool toys, Spears says the toys should only be in the pool when a parent is present.
"They should never be left in the pool because children will try to go in and try to get the toy," he said.
Most importantly, if a child is found unresponsive in a pool, there are three critical steps to follow.
“You get them out of the water immediately," Spears said. "You start CPR. You call 911."
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