NEWARK – The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and New Jersey’s county and municipal Consumer Affairs Local Assistance (CALA) offices today launched Summer Safety Week with important tips on pool and swimming safety for New Jersey residents.
“Everyone should take their kids to the pool or beach this summer – and everyone should keep the season fun by observing basic tips for safety,” Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Steve Lee said. “Especially when supervising small children, even a moment’s distraction when they are near the water can put them at risk. Fortunately, with basic awareness it is not hard to have a safe and responsible summer.”
Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2014, at least 175 children nationwide between the ages of one and 14 drowned in swimming pools or spas, according to media reports compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation. Of the 174 reports, 112 victims were children younger than five.
Drowning deaths for very young children are most likely to happen in the home or backyard. According to a national study of drowning-related accidents involving children, a parent or caregiver claimed to be supervising the child in nearly nine out of 10 drowning-related deaths. Anyone who is watching children in a pool, spa, or bath should not talk on the phone, text, or read.
The CPSC’s Pool Safely campaign provides information on the simple steps that parents, caregivers, and pool owners should take to ensure that children and adults stay safer in and around pools and spas. The CPSC invites everyone to visit www.PoolSafely.gov/Pledge to take the pledge to help reduce drownings in the United States.
CPSC’s Top 10 Tips to Stay Safe Around the Pool or Spa this Summer:
Additional Child Safety Tips at Beaches, Lakes, and Rivers from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs:
New Jersey’s CALA offices work with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to enforce New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, and related statutes and regulations, in each county that includes a CALA office. Consumers can file complaints by contacting their local CALA office or the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of marketplace abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
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