Expert says pool safety important during increased time at home

An expert we spoke to says the increased time spent at home during the pandemic could pose a danger to children in backyards with pools.

We learned about different things that could play a part for an increase in drownings in Florida Thursday.

“We were always cautious about everything for safety,” said Mariusz Pieczalski.

Pieczalski says swimming safety is always a concern

“He was always with somebody,” Pieczalski said.

And Paula Digrigoli, with the NCH Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition, says they are already worried about the drowning numbers for 2020.

“We just started July, and we already have three drownings in the state of Florida,” Digrigoli said. “And we already have 38 drownings [this year]. Last year, around this time, it was going to be maybe like around 30.”

Digrigoli says, with kids at home, it’s easy for parents to be distracted while juggling work, responsibilities and childcare.

“Anything can happen to the best parents,” Digrigoli said.

Digrigoli says it can happen in your own back yard, and having the right protection for your pools can save a life.

“There’s a lot of above-ground pools being installed,” Digrigoli said. “And a lot of these don’t have the fences and don’t have the locks.”

Since not many swim classes are available publicly at this time, the NCH Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition says there is a free app called Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim that can be downloaded to help teach kids. Learn more about the app on the coalition’s website.

And parents like Pieczalski say starting swim lessons young is also very helpful.

“I think it is very important and especially here,” Pieczalski said. “When you’re surrounded with water, it’s a beneficial skill to have.”