By Trish Wallace

As published in the Sunday Journal

June 28, 2008

 

A recent trip to the pool became a trip to the hospital for one local girl.

 

Spending the afternoon splashing around at the Arnold Recreation Center outdoor pool June 17, the 12-year-old decided to head down the large water slide. Traveling at a high rate of speed on the way down, however, the girl hit the water hard.

 

When she climbed back up the ladder to go down the slide again, she suddenly sustained sharp back pain and felt weak.

 

According to the American Red Cross, attendance at public pools has increase this summer compared to years past. Many families have decided to stay close to home during their vacations because of high gas prices, and current flood stages make lakes, rivers and streams more hazardous than normal. So folks are heading to local pools for their fun in the sun this season.

 

Ryan Day, Red Cross aquatic specialist, encourages parents to err on the side of caution when their children are in the water. Maintaining constant supervision and staying within arm's reach of younger children is especially important.

 

Nationally, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional deaths for children.

 

"The number one thing is to teach kids to swim," Day said.

 

The Red Cross offers swimming programs for children as young as six months old.

 

"When you go out as a family, set water safety rules based on family experience," Day said. "Really it's better to base that plan off the lowest ability swimmer and not off how well Mom and Dad can swim."

 

Other important rules include obeying all posted signs and only swimming in areas supervised by lifeguards in case an emergency should occur.

 

Two lifeguards immediately tended to the girl at the Arnold pool, keeping her neck and spine straight to prevent serious injury. A third lifeguard called 911.

 

According to Ron Harder, of the Rock Community Fire Protection District, emergency personnel who responded to the call were impressed with the quick action taken by the lifeguards at the pool. They kept the girl calm until firefighters stabilized her with a cervical collar and a long back board.

 

She was then taken to the hospital by Rock Township Ambulance where she was treated and released.

 

Arnold Recreation Supervisor, Molly Curcuru, said that the large slide at the Recreation Center is considered a thrill ride.

 

According to Curcuru, the largest cause of accidents on the slide occur when people do not follow directions. Signs and lifeguards instruct sliders to lay back and cross their ankles.

 

"Kids get scared and sit up, and there's a bump at the end," Curcuru said.

 

When riders do not lay back, they don't hit the water properly. Curcuru said that lifeguards ask all riders if they are okay when they exit the slide.

 

Swimsuits with zippers and rivets are not allowed on the slides because they can chip the fiberglass and cut following riders.

 

"We always take all of the extra precautions," Curcuru said. While acknowledging that accidents do occur, Day said parents can rest assured when taking their children to local pools.

 

"Generally speaking, public pools are very safe," Day said.

 

They are especially safer right now than swimming in lakes, rivers or streams. Day, who lives in Arnold, is all too familiar with current flood conditions throughout the area. However, if people do choose to go out on lakes and rivers, Day encourages the Red Cross' "reach or throw, don't go" approach.

 

In other words, if someone is struggling in the water of a lake or river, Day said to lay down on the bank or dock and reach or throw the person a flotation device or rope, but do not go in the water after the person.

 

"That's where we see a lot of problems," Day said.

 

For more information about Red Cross swimming classes or for more water safety tips, visit the St. Louis Area Chapter website at www.redcrossstl.org or call 314-516-2800.