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Poll Safety

Source: Poolsafely.gov / Poolsafely.gov

Did you know that statistics show Memorial Day weekend has an increase in pool and spa drownings? As part of their Pool Safely campaign, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is raising awareness and urging families to take important steps when spending time around the water. CPSC spokespersons will be available on Thursday, May 21st  to share with your listeners the best tips on how to stay safe this holiday.

Top 10 Tips to Stay Safe This Memorial Day Weekend
 
Recent reports from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveal that nearly 400 pool and spa drownings occur each year involving children younger than 15 years old. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.  Most of these incidents happen at home, and all of these tragedies are preventable. Since the Memorial Day holiday has traditionally seen an increase in the number of these drownings, CPSC is reminding us of the steps we should take when spending time in or near the water. 
 

The Pool Safely campaign is a national public education effort to reduce child drownings, non-fatal drownings and drain entrapments in swimming pools and spas. The campaign has hundreds of partners around the country whose goal is to reduce and prevent tragic incidents. To save lives and help kids enjoy their time in the water, the Pool Safely campaign has launched the Pool Safely Pledge, a commitment by adults and children to take the simple steps to stay safe in the water this summer.
 
CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye or CPSC Communications Director Scott Wolfson can discuss:
 
·         How Memorial Day weekend historically sees an increase in drownings
·         Which populations are found to be most at risk of drowning
·         The top tips to stay safe around the pool or spa including teaching children basic water safety, learning how to perform CPR, installing fences and more
·         The latest data on drowning statics in your state, according to media reports compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation
·         CPSC’s latest nationwide data reports on pool and spa related injuries and fatalities
·         The announcement of a new grant program which will provide state and local governments with assistance to implement enforcement and education programs to prevent drowning
·         What is involved for adults and children who wish to take the Pool Safely Pledge
·         Where people can go for more information and to sign the Pool Safely Pledge
 
ELLIOT KAYE was sworn in as the 10th Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 30, 2014. President Barack Obama nominated Mr. Kaye on March 31, 2014, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 28, 2014, to a term that expires in October 2020. Mr. Kaye served as CPSC’s Executive Director from 2013 until his confirmation as Chairman. Previously at CPSC, Mr. Kaye served as Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel to former Chairman Inez Moore Tenenbaum in 2013, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel to the Chairman from 2012 to 2013, and as Senior Counsel to the Chairman from 2010 to 2012. He has been the driving force behind many of the agency’s most successful initiatives in recent years, including efforts aimed at addressing the chemical burn hazard to young children from the ingestion of coin cell batteries
 
SCOTT WOLFSON is the Director of the Office of Communications for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  He is responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s strategic communications and consumer relations strategies.  Mr. Wolfson also serves as the Press Secretary to Acting Chairman Robert Adler and the Senior Open Government Officer for CPSC.  In addition to arranging national and international media interviews for the Chairman and other senior officials, Mr. Wolfson manages a team of public affairs specialists, who carry out nearly 25 comprehensive information programs annually which are designed to promote product safety in and around the home.  In 2009, Mr. Wolfson launched CPSC 2.0, the agency’s first social media initiative.  Mr. Wolfson has been a spokesperson for the CPSC for nearly 14 years and specializes in civil and criminal enforcement matters, drowning prevention, all-terrain vehicle safety, and children’s product safety.
 
CPSC Communications Director Scott Wolfson is available for interviews on Thurs., May 21st from 7:00-8:00am ET
 
CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye is available for interviews on Thursday, May 21st from 8:00-9:00am E