For Oregon children ages 1 to 4, drowning is the second leading cause of death. Submersion accidents also result in permanent brain damage. This page identifies the risks and offers ways to reduce the risk, whether you are at home or at a hotel or motel. If you are among the unfortunate people who have suffered a loss and you want to speak to an attorney, you may call me for a free consultation.

Oregon law requires personal flotation devices on boats, but that’s it. If a child is standing on a dock or in a hotel swimming pool or spa or a lake, there is no requirement for a life vest or other flotation device. So the primary thing you can do to prevent the risk of drowning is to put on a floatation device anytime you or your child is around water.

On those hot summer days, kids love swimming pools. Parents love sitting by the pool, too, especially if they can relax for a few minutes, enjoying the happy faces of their children. The key to relaxation, however, might be safety preparation to reduce risks to your children. Here are some tips in addition to making sure your child has on a personal floatation device.

• Supervision, supervision, supervision! Swimming lessons and floatation devices are not guarantees of safety.
• Have your telephone with you for two reasons: (a) so you do not have to leave your child to answer the phone and (b) to be able to call in case of an emergency.
• Don’t be distracted by texting or anything else. Keep your eyes on your child and your ears open, too.
• Educate babysitters, whether it’s grandma, Uncle Ken, or the teenage neighbor about the risks and the need for constant supervision.
• Fence the pool, and make sure it has a self-closing and self-latching gate.
• When the house leads to access to the pool or spa, make sure all doors and windows leading the pool area secure.
• Take pool or spa covers all the way off. Otherwise, there is a risk that children can get trapped underneath.
• Take a water safety course and learn CPR.

Keep these safety tips in mind when you visit hotels and motels, too.