Summer brings Splash into Safety

National Safe Kids Week was marked in Las Vegas during the Splash into Safety campaign launch at Wet 'n Wild on May 8.

Authorities say water safety can't be pushed enough, especially since two children -- an 18-month-old boy and a 6-year-old girl -- have already died from drowning this year.

"It's so important we say it over and over again. New people come here every year and have never heard this message," said Shelly Cochran, a member of Safe Kids Clark County and a former paramedic. "These are the most dreadful calls to run."

According to statistics gathered by Safe Kids, 10 children died last year from drowning incidents and 32 had near-drowning experiences. About 81 percent of those were younger than age 4.

Near drownings can be catastrophic as well. While some children walk away from the incident, others suffer fine to severe brain damage, Cochran said.

Splash into Safety was organized by Safe Kids to bring parents, children and local organizations and services together to prevent this year's fatality and near-drowning numbers from climbing.

"I think one of the best things about this event is we have agencies from across Las Vegas under the umbrella of Safe Kids to address this issue," Cochran said.

All police and fire departments from Clark County were involved as well as medical professionals from area hospitals and concerned business leaders and parents.

Summer to many children means freedom, but to Safe Kids, summer is "trauma season," Cochran said.

"There are some things you cannot protect your child from," Cochran said. "These are things we know that, with constant adult supervision, with layers of supervision, we know those things work. We know those things save lives."

Those interested in Safe Kids can call the organization's hot line at 731-8666 or visit the Web site at www.ccsafekids.com.


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