BOULDER, Colo. — Spending time at the pool is a favorite activity for most families in the summer. But doctors warn it's also a dangerous activity.
"Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death in children ages 1 to 4," said Dr. Christopher Trojanovich at Boulder Community Health.
On Sunday, Olympian Bode Miller announced on social media the death of his 19-month-old daughter, Emmy. Investigators said she accidentally drowned in a California pool.
In 2017, there were more than 4,000 drowning deaths in the U.S.
Boulder Community Health urges parents to visit the websitewww.poolsafety.gov and sign a pledge. Parents and children need to understand the risks involved with swimming.
Dr. Trojanovich advised never swimming alone, and said parents must watch their kids at all times at the pool, even when lifeguards are on duty. He said all children should take swimming lessons.
Dr. Trojanovich said if a child has swallowed water and is coughing a lot or having trouble breathing, they need to go to the emergency room. Doctors will typically monitor them for eight hours to make sure there are no delayed effects.
