Crime & Safety

75 Children Under Age 5 Have Drowned in RivCo Since 2005: Officials Urge Swim Safety

As students get out of school for summer break and head to the swimming pool to stay cool, Riverside County public health and fire officials want parents and adults to make sure their kids are safe.

Since 2005, 75 children under the age of five have drowned in Riverside County, according to a new public service announcement from the Riverside County Fire Department and Department of Public Health.

"Keeping kids safe is your job," says Dr. Christopher Dael in the video message, which can be viewed above.

Some things to keep in mind:

  • Every pool should have a secure fence
  • Watch children the entire time they are swimming
"Tragedy only takes a few seconds," Fire Chief John Hawkins says.  "Drowning is 100 percent preventable." 



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