Playing It Safe

Swimming is a favorite summer pastime, especially for children, but with the fun comes increased danger.

The number of drownings countywide decreased in recent years, but last year they took a 23% jump and officials worry the trend could continue.

"My concern is they are getting complacent," said Billie Weiss, director of the county's Injury and Violence Prevention Program. "People think swimming pools are beautiful, but they forget the danger and risk to small kids."

It is suggested that pool owners have several layers of protection in place to prevent drownings. Here are some tips for making the pool season safer.

Drownings

Total drownings in L.A. County

1992

Total drownings: 143

Pool or spa drownings: 73

*

1993

Total drownings: 134

Pool or spa drownings: 68

*

1994

Total drownings: 125

Pool or spa drownings: 58

*

1995

Total drownings: 113

Pool or spa drownings: 54

*

1996

Total drownings: 95

Pool or spa drownings: 46

*

1997

Total drownings: 117

Pool or spa drownings: 59

*

1998 (1)

Total drownings: 50

Pool or spa drownings: 16

*

(1) Note: Through June 21: Statistics comprise drownings in all locations including pools, bathtubs, open water and buckets.

Countywide drownings by age

*--*

Ages 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998(1) Birth to 4 21 35 25 31 17 21 7 5-19 16 14 13 10 8 17 7 20-49 67 44 52 37 41 40 14 50-79 31 28 24 22 21 27 15 80+ 8 13 11 13 8 12 7

*--*

(1) Note: Through June 21: Statistics comprise drownings in all locations including pools, bathtubs, open water and buckets.

Water Rescue

* When someone is in danger, the American Red Cross recommends: "Reach or throw, don't go."

* Reaching assist: If able to reach the victim, use a long object such as an oar, a paddle, tree branch or towel. Keeping weight low, lean away from victim, lying down or standing with legs bent and feet comfortably spread. Slowly bring victim in, using hand-over-hand grasp on the reaching object.

* Throwing assist: Using a throwing device such as a ring buoy, stay out of the water and stand with one foot forward and one back, keeping weight low. Hold device in dominant hand and hold extra line in other hand. Use underhand toss, aiming just beyond victim.