Las Vegas NowMetro Warns Parents to be Vigilant

Metro Warns Parents to be Vigilant

This year started off tragically in January with the deaths of two toddlers in different backyard swimming pools in North Las Vegas. It was a reminder of how quickly something tragic can happen.

The twinkle of the cool blue water is an inviting sight to a young child. One of the drownings happened at a home daycare center when two small boys made their way into a spa. One child died and the other was resuscitated. A few days, later the a similar scenario happened at another home and resulted in the drowning of a 2-year-old in the family pool.

"It is called the silent death. Unfortunately when a child does fall in to a pool the sounds are very minimal and it only takes a split second. You don't hear the screams. You don't hear the splash," said Lt. Ray Steiber, Metro.

Metro has already investigated four near drownings this year and they say all could have been prevented if someone was paying attention.

Officers say it's not gates or locks that prove to be the best prevention, it's just supervision. They recommend that parents limit distractions. They suggest that anyone supervising a child in a pool, keep a phone nearby so they don't have to take their eyes off the child to answer a call. The phone can also be used in case of an emergency.

"Knocks at the door are the same thing. If it is important, they will wait. Ensure the safety of your child. It is never OK to leave your child unattended," said Steiber.

Most drownings involve children 3 years old and under because they haven't developed a fear of the water. Officers say to keep kids from wanting to play in the water, take away some of the temptation. Remove any toys from around the pool and make it difficult to access.

"Secure those dog doors. Children are curious by nature and if there is an opening that they can get into the backyard. It only takes s a split second for them to be out of your sight."

Last year, Metro responded to seven drownings calls with four resulting in deaths. Metro says summer is an especially dangerous time because more children are out of school and pools are being used frequently.