MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Last summer a teenager drowned in a Memphis pool after climbing over a fence with some friends while the pool was closed.
This summer, swimmers will notice SkyCop cameras at Memphis pools. Along with keeping an eye on what is happening at the pools at all hours, the cameras also have an audio warning for trespassers.
Water safety experts are also asking parents to keep an eye on their children when they are in the water and look for any signs they’re in trouble.
“Drowning is silent. They don’t yell for help. You have to look for a panicked look on their face,” said Brenna Walker, the program director for aquatics at the Downtown YMCA.
The YMCA offers classes for children and adults all year round. Kids taking part in summer camp there also have the chance to learn how to swim.
Walker said even if there is a lifeguard at a pool, you want to stay within arms reach of your child, and if they don’t know how to swim or aren’t comfortable in a pool yet, make sure they’re wearing something that will keep them a float.
“Caleb is wearing what we call a puddle jumper and it floats around the arm , floats around the chest and then if he turns around it actually buckles in the back.” said Walker.
If you own a pool, make sure you have a locking fence around it so kids in your neighborhood can’t get in when you’re not around.
The CDC said every day three children die as a result of a drowning.
For more information on the Memphis pool season, go to the city’s website.
