Kids and Pools     
When is Enough Enough?     
    
   When young children slip under the water, there are only seconds until their brains begin to fail, due to lack of oxygen.  

   Last week we wrote about a family that knew the dangers and took many steps to prevent harm. It wasn't enough. What more could they do? 

   We're not a trained lifeguard, but it seems that one more layer of prevention is needed: ONGOING COMMUNICATIONS. 

   This mom knew people were in the pool, so she didn't tell them she was going out to her car for a couple minutes. Makes sense. The swimmers apparently knew mom was in the kitchen with the child, so they didn't tell her they were leaving the pool. Makes sense.

   The visiting friend knew the rule about doors, but that July day she left a door open a crack. It happens.

   We're not critical of these heart-broken people. Tragedy could happen in our pool.

   But, can we learn something from athletes in team sports?

   Fielders on a pro baseball team know before each pitch is made - depending on variables - what they'll do when the batter makes contact. They also know what teammates will do in certain situations. And they communicate.

   Consider the coordination among infielders attempting a double play, and the catcher backs them up ... when two players are chasing the same fly ball ... when the first baseman relies on the pitcher to cover the base ... the long throw from the outfield to a cut-off man, relayed to the catcher, and the pitcher backs him up. 

   Next time visitors come with a small child, we're going to hold a little meeting. Agreement on the objective isn't enough. We're all going to play defense...and communicate, start to finish. God willing, that might be enough. 

       Jimmy