Illinois Officials Urge Families to Make Pool Safety a Priority This Summer

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding families to practice pool safety as hot weather continues across the state. State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said constant adult supervision is critical because drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, while the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports most fatal child drownings happen at residential pools. Officials recommend installing four sided fencing with self closing gates, designating a dedicated water watcher, learning CPR, and keeping children under constant supervision whenever they are near the water.