Parents urged to use caution in swimming pools, vehicles

There is no better way to beat the heat this summer than a family outing to the beach or swimming pool. Yet it only takes minutes for a child to drown when adults aren't paying close attention. And as temperatures rise, so does the danger to children left unattended in cars.

As part of its annual See & Save Campaign, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is reminding parents and caregivers to take extra care during this summer. Never let children play unattended near water. And never leave a child unattended in a car.

"Our message is simple but terribly important," DFPS Commissioner Carey Cockrell said. "Never leave children unsupervised near water or in cars, not even for a couple of minutes, because if you can't see them, you can't save them."

In 2007, 63 children drowned and one child died in a hot car. In 2006, 70 Texas children drowned and Texas led the nation with six hot-car deaths.

"This should be a wake-up call to all Texans," said Cockrell. "It is critical for families to be especially vigilant as they head to the water on vacations, and for all caregivers to stay on guard all summer."

Water recreation is a great way to beat the summer heat. But being near water can be very dangerous, especially for children.

Children, particularly toddlers who are just starting to move around and explore, are attracted to water because it's fun, said Cockrell. At the same time, they don't realize how something so enjoyable can also be dangerous.

Drowning can occur in both large and small amounts of water: ponds, creeks, pools, spas, drainage ditches, as well as bathtubs, buckets and even toilets. It only takes a few minutes for a child to drown. Never leave them unsupervised around water both inside and outside of the house, Cockrell said.

Summer heat also greatly increases the danger to children left unattended in cars. Adults may be tempted to leave children in cars while they dash into a store, only to stay far longer than anticipated.

"Cars are not babysitters," said Diana Spiser, DFPS assistant commissioner for child care licensing. "Leaving children in cars is dangerous, illegal and potentially fatal."

In hot weather, a closed car can reach deadly temperatures in minutes. Studies show that when the temperature is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a closed car can rise to 100 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. Children can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, leading to permanent disability or death.

DFPS Child Care Licensing has See & Save Campaign posters, water and car safety tip sheets and bookmarks available for download online.

For more information, visit the Web site www.seeandsave.org.

If you think a child needs immediate police, fire or medical assistance, phone 9-1-1.