PoolSafetyNetwork.org launched to help prevent drowning incidents.

2004 JUL 1 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- PoolSafetyNetwork.org announced the launch of its web site - a collection of resources, best practices, and information about drowning prevention from governmental agencies, leading advocacy groups, water safety experts, and the medical community in the field of water safety.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 500 children drown in backyard swimming pools and approximately 3,000 children suffer neurological damage after experiencing a near-drowning incident.

Medical expenses and ongoing care for these victims can exceed $200,000 per year. The total medical cost associated with drowning is estimated to be approximately $3.5 billion, annually.

Arizona, Florida, and California statistically have the highest number of drowning deaths in this country. "There is much work to be done to avoid these tragedies," said Todd Appleman, founder of PoolSafetyNetwork.org.

"While the number of drowning incidents remains fairly constant, losing 500 children each year and seeing some 3,000 children suffer a lifetime of disabilities, is unacceptable. Our focus is set on educating the public and working with industry experts and local communities to move the needle in any way we can to save lives and avoid the trauma of losing a child to drowning."

According to Appleman, drowning is considered to the "silent killer" - meaning children often drown when parents and adults are nearby. While most parents believe they are vigilant and responsible supervisors of ...