In response to the tragedy which occurred in the Catskills yesterday, Lakewood Hatzolah members and Askonim have requested that TLS remind the community of the dangers of swimming pools.
Four-year-old Shimon Weiss, of Boro Park, was tragically Niftar early this morning after drowning yesterday in a bungalow colony. According to reports, the child was playing outside when he managed to climb over the pool fence, and fell into the pool. Hatzolah managed to get back a pulse, but the child tragically was Niftar about 12 hours later. His Levaya will be taking place in Boro Park today.
With the summer camps, bungalow colonies and fun in full swing, the dangers of pools with children around is a frightening thought for any pool owner – as well as for any parent sending their child to camp.
Emergency personnel recommended the following tips for pool owners.
- Ensure you pool is properly secured 24 hours – including having a self-closing and locking door.
- Make sure the fence around your pool is tall enough to prevent children from climbing over.
- Keep the pool covered at all times it’s not in use.
- Have a Hatzolah number and address of the pool clearly visible at all times.
- If possible, install an emergency phone at the pool which automatically transfers you to en emergency number when you lift it.
- Have a Red Cross Certified lifeguard on premises at all times the pool is in use.
May we all be Zoche to a safe Summer.
[TLS]
How about calling 911.
Every second matters in a situation like this.
To NJ Tarp.
You are absolutely right that every second counts. Generally speaking Hatzolah arrives much faster than 911. There are Hatzolah paramedics with equipment usually arriving within 2 to 3 minutes. Its very rare for 911 to arrive in that time.
To #1 – Nobody needs a reminder of the 911 number. It’s easier, especially during an emergency, to forget a regular phone number.
Oh, so sorry for this family. It only takes seconds; nobody’s fault. Our prayers are with you and yours.
one thing all people who have pools should have is a flat fence that children cant climb over
Keeping the pool covered poses its own danger because you cannot see below the cover rch”l.
The family should have a nechoma… so sad, so painful. May we no longer need korbanos like this….
Not to take away from the pain of the family, but it’s worthwhile to note that a flat-sided pool fence is indeed safer. Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a young, motivated child to find a way up a chainlink fence. For this reason, several years ago we installed a less-attractive wood fence all around our pool. For the sake of our children, and the neighbor’s children.