The medical society of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) is calling on the provincial government to initiate a drowning prevention strategy that aims to protect children using backyard pools.During its recent annual meeting, the society agreed on a resolution that stressed two important areas: legislation of mandatory backyard pool barriers, and an education/prevention campaign targeted at pool owners. This campaign would highlight the importance and need for constant supervision in around pools, the use of barriers and life jackets, teaching children to swim, and training adults in CPR.
“We know people want to do the right thing,” Dr. Kathy Bigsby, a pediatrician at the Queens Elizabeth Hospital who is heading this effort, told the CBC. “Legislation reminds us that this isn’t a tomorrow problem. This is really something that we have to do today.
“If there’s a law that says that you wear your seatbelt—you’re not going to forget to wear your seatbelt, or at least you’re less likely to. So by having a law in place, what we’re saying is this is important and you need to do this before you set up your swimming pool.”
