Warning: Don't leave kids unattended by the pool

The Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre called upon parents to be vigilant regarding the dangers of allowing children to use swimming pools in their homes without supervision. The Centre noted that pools are usually too deep for children, which increases the dangers of drowning should the child fall into the pool.

In a tragic accident, a two-year old Arab child was found dead in the pool at his parents’ house after drowning.

The Higher Committee for Child Protection at the Ministry of Interior asserted that child safety and protection against all dangers is among the top priorities of the higher leadership and the police institutions. In its statement, the Higher Committee stressed that it is working to tackle all child safety and protection issues by collaborating with other competent authorities to establish procedures that ensure the safety of children.

The Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre expressed its sorrow for such accidents and extended its condolences to the child’s family. The Centre also pointed out to the importance of synergizing family, society, and Ministry of Interior efforts and integrating them to realize the vision of the leadership in ensuring children safety and protection. The Centre also explained that this integration will support security in society and foster family stability, as family is the cornerstone of any society.

The Centre also called upon families who wish to build swimming pools in their homes to adhere to the safety and security procedures associated with pools; noting that incidents involving children drowning in pools arise from not complying with such procedures.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre indicated that pools should be located in a safe place in the yard, by doing this, the dangers of drowning accidents will be greatly reduced. The Centre attributed most child drowning accidents to the negligence of parents, and for allowing them to play near pools without continuous supervision. As most children like playing in pools, which are relatively deep, they might drown if left without family supervision.

The Centre advised parents to follow a number of important preventive procedures in order to protect their children against drowning. These procedures, among others, include not leaving infants alone in bathrooms or near the pools, as they might easily drown. The Centre also called upon parents to monitor their children while they are in the water even if they know how to swim or play in the water. The Centre also stressed on the importance of equipping children with life vests and locking any door that may lead to a pool; and monitoring children who have seizures or paralyses when they are near water. The Center recommended that children ages 6 and up are taught how to swim. –End-

Image by: Gulf Today