The latest statistics in pool deaths is alarming. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, of the nearly 300 who died last year, 79 percent occurred in residential pool drowning deaths of children less than five years of age.
In order to help saves lives, the American Red Cross and the National Swimming Pool Foundation have developed a new interactive course entitled, Home Pool Essentials™: Maintenance and Safety. The approximately two-hour course covers the basics of operating a home pool, raises awareness of how to make a safer environment, as well as teaching basic rescue techniques.
Participants will learn how to identify common water problems, how to manage the problems, and learn how to perform water testing, sanitation and other important pool maintenance steps. By following the simple procedures, individuals will also discover how to reduce costs in operating pools, how to prevent accidents, and how to respond to an emergency situation. In addition, the course includes a printable resource guide with 4-color photos that can be printed for future reference, plus video demonstrations and links to online resources. The cost of the online course is $19.95 and can be completed and reviewed for up to six months.
Individuals can access the course through the website of the American Red Cross of Ventura County at www.arc-ventura.org. Simply click on “Services” and then go to “Health & Safety Classes” to find the link to the program. Or, go directly to www.homepoolessentials.org.
The American Red Cross is the primary source of disaster prevention, preparedness and response education. The local chapter offers a wide range of First Aid, CPR, AED, Babysitters Training and Lifeguard Training courses. Classes are also available for volunteers and disaster preparedness.
The National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 to help improve public health nationwide by attracting more people to safer aquatic environments. The NSPF is the leading educator for pool and hot tub professionals who service and operate public and private pools and hot tubs for public health officials who are responsible for pool safety.
Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency.