200223688-001Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in childhood in the United States. In some states it is the leading cause of death in childhood. On average, one child drowns every day in a backyard swimming pool. Drowning is also one of the more common causes of death while on vacation.

In the home setting, drowning may occur in the bathtub, the toilet, a bucket, a water barrel, a children’s play pool, or the backyard swimming pool. Drowning also frequently happens during water recreational activities such as sailing, canoeing, or swimming. Although people of any age can drown, there are two age groups in which drowning are more common.

The first is the toddler age group; toddlers can drown in the bathtub or in as little as 1 inch of water in a bucket. Water holds an endless fascination for many of us, but especially for young children.

They are naturally inquisitive and seem to be instinctively drawn to water. The second age group is adolescence, and in this group males are much more likely to drown than females. Boys tend to be risk takers, and some also seem to be especially lacking in common sense at this age. Among older adolescents, alcohol frequently plays a role in drowning incidents.


preventPrevention

Prevention, prevention, prevention! You may be lucky enough to arrive in time to resuscitate your child, but this is not the way to prevent death by drowning.


  • Never leave your child alone in the bathtub, not even to answer the front doorbell or the telephone.
  • Do not leave buckets of water around.
  • Empty your child’s play pool once your child has finished swimming.
  • Teach your child how to swim at a young age.
  • No one should swim alone.
  • Never leave young children alone around water. Responsible adult supervision is the most important aspect in the prevention of drowning.
  • Teach your child safe water behavior.
  • Do not allow diving into shallow water.
  • When boating, everyone should wear an approved life vest or life jacket that is able to support the wearer so that the head is above water even if the person is unconscious. A responsible and capable adult should be present during all boating activities.
  • Respect the sea! Dangerous back currents and side washes can get the better of even the most powerful swimmer. Swim where there are lifeguards. Obey their instructions. If they tell you to get out of the water, get out!
  • Counsel adolescents about the dangers of drinking and swimming. This combination is just as dangerous as
  • drinking and driving.


skd188621sdcCAUTION

Begin CPR immediately if your child is found unconscious in the water. Call 911.



If You Have a Swimming Pool

  • Swimming pools should be fenced on all four sides with a fence that is at least 4 feet high. The gate should be self-closing and self-latching. Keep the gate locked. Keep a telephone close so that you do not need to leave the pool area to answer it. In the event of an accident the telephone will be close by should you need to call 911.
  • Keep the pool water clean.
  • If your child goes missing, look in the pool first.
  • Learn how to do CPR and keep your certification up to date.