SAFETY
October 7, 2006

The 2006 2nd Quarter Accident Summary reports 484 incidents nationally.  This is higher than normal due to the reporting period being extended from June to July 31, 2006.  23% of the accidents involved age 11-12 and 28% of the injuries were leg/foot.  40% of the injuries took place in the water during a meet/competition (50%).

Our LSC has only reported 8 accidents during this extended time period which is lower than normal for the regular reporting period through June.  Good news if our accidents are actually down - not so good if we’re under reporting.  Please take the time to file the required accident paperwork for each incident.

USA Swimming has requested that each club have a Safety Officer on record and I am then given a list of these club Safety Officers, along with their contact information.  It is important that this contact info be updated and correct in the event that USA Swimming has Safety related information that I am required to pass on to each club.  Please make sure that your club’s contact information is current and if not, update it when you file your annual club registration paperwork this fall.

I am including two handouts with my report:  (1)  The updated Facility Safety Audit checklist.  Please make sure your Aquatic Directors/Meet Directors/Safety Marshals follow the rules and keep the pool environment safe.  (2)  Safety Announcements for Swim Meets.  USA Swimming would like these to be made during the course of any swim meet.  Please pass these handouts on to the appropriate people.

Cindy Smith
SE Safety Chairman