May 1, 2013 HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA -- The month of May is often associated with the beginning of the summer season and the warmer weather brings large numbers of people to the water; backyard pools, beaches, waterfronts and public aquatic facilities. Unfortunately, the month of May also signals an increase in drowning tragedies across our nation.
D&D Technologies is proud to support the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s (NDPA) campaign to promote May as “National Drowning Prevention Month,” in a collaborative effort across the country, with other organizations involved in water safety, drowning prevention, aquatic safety, and recreational activities. Fr more information, visit NDPA.org.
During the month of May, D&D is reaching out to the public to create awareness of their role in water safety by taking the Simple Steps to Save Lives pledge, which encourages people to talk to their friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others that adding as many water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safe fun experience at pools and spas, because you never know which one might save a child’s life – until it does. Take the pledge at: http://ddtechglobal.com/pledge.
From the very beginning, D&D has made it their responsibility to manufacture quality products that consumers can trust and educate the industry and public on ways to use products within their safety plans to protect children in and around water structure. The fencing industry holds an important ‘Step’ being that appropriate equipment for pools and spas includes the installation of a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and the use of secure and reliable self-closing and self-latching gates.”
Facts:
- Drowning is the second-leading cause of death to children ages 1-4 in the United States.
- Drowning is the number one cause of death to children ages 1-4 in most southern states.
- In many cases, drowning is a silent event, without splashing or a call for help.
- In most areas of the country, the majority of child drownings occur in backyard pools & spas.
- Scientific research, engineering advancements, legislation, community outreach, and education are all necessary strategies, on the national level, to prevent drownings.
Drowning Prevention Begins with Layers of protection:
- ALWAYS know where children are. Never leave a child unattended in or near water in a pool, tub, lake, river, canal or ocean, even when lifeguards are present.
- ALWAYS be aware of potential dangers in all environments, such as when away from home. Never leave your child in an environment with unprotected water hazards.
- If a child is missing, always check the pool or spa first.
- Install “isolation fencing” which completely separates the pool or spa area from the house or other structures. An isolation fence restricts unauthorized access from neighbors’ yards, other nearby buildings, and from inside the house. Isolation fencing is the preferred configuration for pool and spa protection.
- All fences must be non-climbable, meet all applicable local safety codes, and should be at least 60” tall, with vertical bars set close to one another so that a small child cannot squeeze through.
- Gates should be self-closing and self-latching and accommodate a locking device such as the rust-free MagnaLatch® Top Pull, along with self-closing hinges like the TruClose®.
- Gates should open away from the pool and have self-closing hinges, and should never be propped open. Check and adjust your gate regularly to make sure it operates correctly.
- The gate latch should be out of the reach of children, at least 54” from the ground. Use a locking latch, and keep it locked when pool is not in use. Store the key out of children’s reached and make sure all adults know where the key is kept.
- Keep anything that can be climbed, such as chairs, tables, storage bins, playground equipment, ice chests, etc. inside the fence area.
- All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool should be equipped with a self-closing, self latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.
Rust-free, pool safety gate hardware by D&D Technologies is now available under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through select Lowe’s stores or through other hardware retailers. The hinges and latches are simple to install and most models offer vertical and horizontal adjustment to correct gate misalignment caused by ground movement, children swinging on gates, or other factors.
D&D Technologies is a recognized leader in safety and general-purpose gate hardware manufacturing, including MagnaLatch® magnetic pool and safety gate latches, TruClose® adjustable, self-closing gate hinges, SureClose® the commercial grade closer & hinge, and LokkLatch® gate latches. D&D’s diversity of products continually set new standards in design, performance, craftsmanship and innovation–tied together by a singular level of quality. D&D products are rust free and consistently exceed all relevant safety barrier codes around the world for the residential, commercial and industrial markets. D&D is a co-founder and continuing supporter of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.
