NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Drownings are inevitable during the summer months and they can happen in the blink of an eye.
Since Memorial Day weekend, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville has seen an increase in pool related injuries.
"I think the problem is that parents don't seem to realize that something can happen in seconds. There have been multiple studies and videos that show literally these kids can fall of into a pool and get submerged quickly," Dr. Thomas Abramo explained.
Just last week, a 12-year-old girl was pulled from the bottom of a swimming pool in Antioch.
A fatal pool accident in May also claimed the life a four-year-old Antioch child.
To help make parents aware of the dangers, children's hospital has launched a safe summer campaign to remind parents to be alert.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14.
Dr. Abramo said, "You always anticipate the problems and be ready for it, the example being don't listen to your cell phone. Let it ring while you're watching your child."
Safety officials recommend children wear U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation devices, not water rings or floaties.
In the event of an emergency, it is imperative to immediately call 911, every second counts when a child is not breathing.
"The 911 operator can literally talk you thru doing CPR and how to get the airway to function again and help resuscitate the baby/child," Dr. Abramo said.
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital saw 18 drowning deaths in the five years from 2005 to 2010.
