Children Are Not at Fault in Pool Deaths

Why don’t children have rights around a pool (“Girl Near Death After She, Sister Fall in Pool,” April 12)? They have rights if they are molested, battered, abused or hit by a car. If they drown in a pool, it’s a tragic accident, and I agree. Dr. Ralph Rucker of the Childrens Hospital of Orange County says it’s “a preventable childhood disease.” I think not! If anything, it’s a preventable adult disease.

I would also like to quote Rucker as saying, “A child 2 years old is the stupidest person on the face of the earth.” Statements like that make me crazy! How can a 2-year-old be considered stupid if he can elude an adult, wander off, play in the water, drown in silence and not be noticed? I take exception to his portrayal of a 2-year-old. Adults are the stupidest people on the face of the earth to trust children, who are trusting them.

In this problem child abuse? Child neglect? Is prosecution the answer?

I feel sorry for the entire Newkirk family in this time of loss. But we cannot ignore the remaining problem. Someone has to step forward to eliminate pool deaths. Could we start with realtors by selling homes to people who can prove their swimming abilities and have a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate? Children are too precious, so by all means keep off the phone, stop all housework and take the children wherever you go if you own a pool.

CAROLINE C. PINOLA

Santa Ana Heights