Countywide : Pools Take Heavy Toll Among Toddlers

Orange County is second only to Los Angeles County in the number of swimming pool drownings statewide involving children 1 to 4 years old, according to a study released Wednesday by a consumer advocacy group.

The California Public Interest Research Group found that 14 Orange County toddlers died and 32 were injured in pool accidents in 1993, the most recent year for which figures are available.

The study also found that emergency medical costs for Orange County toddlers involved in pool accidents cost $546,000 in 1993. That sum did not include long-term rehabilitation and other costs for near-drowning victims.

Marisa Mercado, campaign director for the consumer group’s Orange County chapter, attributed the high number of drownings to the area’s affluence and mild climate.

“There are a lot of upper-middle-class homes here, and the people can afford to have swimming pools,” Mercado said. “The weather is nice here, so you see a lot of pools.”

The study ranked pool drownings as the leading cause of accidental deaths for California children ages 1 to 4.

“It can happen so quickly,” Mercado said. “Water is like a magnet for kids.”

The group advised parents of toddlers against buying or renting houses with pools. Mercado suggested that parents with pools fill them with sand. Some swimming pool trade organizations recommend less extreme measures, like using secure pool covers and teaching children to swim at an early age.

Los Angeles County had 17 toddler drownings and 75 near-drownings in 1993.

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Deadly Pools Orange County has the state’s second- highest number of children who drown in family swimming pools. The top six counties for deaths and near- drownings of children 4 or younger in 1993*: Los Angeles Deaths / Near- Drowning: 92 *

Orange Deaths / Near- Drowning: 46 *

San Diego Deaths / Near- Drowning: 37 *

San Bernardino Deaths / Near- Drowning: 36 *

Riverside Deaths / Near- Drowning: 31 *

Sacramento Deaths / Near- Drowning: 17 * Latest year for which dats is available Sources: California Department of Health Services