Drowning in pools and spas see reported increase

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the number of drowning deaths involving children under the age of five has increased from a yearly average of 267 deaths to 283 deaths.

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths involving children between the ages of one and four.

The safety agency is calling on public pool and spa owners to comply with a new federal law that requires safety covers on all drains. The covers block strong suctions that can trap a child.

The agency is also reminding parents and caregivers to make pool and spa safety a top priority.

For more information visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08276.html