Couple calling for change after 2-year-old climbs pool safety ladder

ATTLEBORO, Mass. — An Attleboro couple realized the ladder designed to keep their two-year-old boy from accidentally drowning in the swimming pool didn’t work.

Keith and Tonya Wyman share the fear any parent would experience after what could have been a tragic accident.

“If I turned my back for a minute, he would have been right in,” said Tonya.

Their son Cody was easily able to scale the locked ladder, which the Wymans believe is an essential flaw in the design of the ladder. Kids at that age can climb and the slats that are in the door should be more solid, they said.

The Wymans wanted to spread the word so other parents can take caution before trusting safety ladders.

“We grabbed him right there. He was no more than four feet away from us at that time. So I said to my wife, Tonya, we need to do this again and video it,” said Keith. “People need to be aware of this.”

Keith thought that the video he posted to Facebook would serve as a local warning to pool owners lulled into thinking safety ladders are equipped with complete protection.

But the clip of Cody scaling the locked ladder has gotten international attention, getting views in Australia, Scotland and Uganda.

Both parents say there is no substitute for keeping an eye on kids, but the fact that Cody was able to climb so quickly proves even little distractions can lead to major accidents.

"You get a message. You turn your head for a second. And you're too involved in reading that. In the meantime he could be in the pool," said Keith.

The Wymans let the swimming pool store know about the faulty ladder and the store offered to give them any other ladder in exchange. But all of the ladders had essentially the same designs, the Wymans found.

The Attleboro Fire Department put out a statement following the incident, reminding residents to follow a list of safety regulations.

The full list can be found below:

-Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don't have children).
-Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
-Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
-Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
-Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
-Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
-Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can't see the bottom.
-Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
-Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
-Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
-Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.

Cox Media Group