ABC6 Summer Kickoff: Keeping safe at the pool, beach

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — It was a heart-stopping moment last June that Keith Wyman of Attleboro will never forget.

“We had just turned our back for one second, and he scaled our locked pool ladder,” said Wyman. “My heart dropped instantly.”

Moments later, Wyman shot this video of his toddler Cody climbing that gate once again, this time under supervision, and posted it online, to make others aware of the danger that comes with having a pool.

“We were lucky that he made it to the top and I was able to grab him within seconds. but that’s all it takes,” said Wyman.

In the last year 31 million people have seen that video. 

“For a small-town family to have this thing go worldwide, and to open up a lot of eyes,” said Wyman. “We’re happy that we’re able to do this and help people.”

It’s also caused Wyman himself to make some changes, from not leaving Cody alone in the backyard, to getting him swimming lessons, even installing cameras.

“Anything that moves in the backyard, especially near the pool, we get a trigger,” said Wyman.

He also worked with the manufacturer of the ladder to come up with a new, safer design.

“I’m happy if we can at least save one life,” said Wyman.

From the pool to the beach, the dangers are just as real at public swimming areas. Key to avoiding these perils? Swimming in lifeguard-protected areas and learning about the conditions.

“Speak to a lifeguard and beach personnel. A large swell, 3 to 5 foot swell for a small child could be dangerous,” said Christopher Boyle, recreational facilities supervisor at Horseneck State Park in Westport.

Also key–avoiding alcohol, which is often involved in drownings. Boyle, who oversees the lifeguards at Horseneck, says wherever you are, rip currents can be an issue, too.

“One of the things about Horseneck is that it faces due south, so anything south of us, we tend to get a little more surge, a little more waves, and in some areas our bottom is uneven, so it lends itself to rip currents,” said Boyle.

If you get caught in one, yell for help right away. 

“You obviously don’t want to swim against it. You want to swim parallel to the beach,” said Boyle.

Despite the presence of lifeguards, keeping an eye on young kids is a shared responsibility.

“On a busy day at many facilities, your lifeguard to swimmer ratio could be as high as one to 500, which means lifeguards can’t look at individuals, they need to scan,” said Boyle.

Wyman agrees, urging parents to put away their phone, and pay attention.

“You kid is your kid. your most prized possession. never take your eyes off them,” said Boyle.

You obviously want to avoid alcohol, whether you’re swimming or operating a boat–and be sure to stay hydrated. 

Also, you can check on rip current conditions online here.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019