| Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years.
What factors influence drowning risk??
* Lack of Supervision and Barriers - Supervision by a lifeguard or designated water-watcher is important to protect young children when they are in the water, whether a pool or bathtub. But when children are not supposed to be in the water, supervision alone isn't enough to keep them safe.
Barriers such as pool fencing should be used to help prevent young children from gaining access to pool areas.
* Natual Water Settings (such as lakes, rivers or the Ocean)
* Lack of Life Jacket Use in Recreational Boating
* Alcohol Use
* Seizure Disorders
Research has found that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4 years.
Supervision when in or around the water!
Buddy System - Always swim with a buddy. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards whenever possible.
Seizure Disorder Safety - If you or your family member has a seizure disorder, provide one-on-one supervision around water, including swimming pools. Consider taking showers rather than using a bath tub for bathing.
Learn to Swim - Formal swimming lessons
Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - In the time it might take for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could make a difference in somone's life.
Do Not Use Air-Filled or Foam Toys in place of life jackets. These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
Avoid Alcohol - Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating or water skiing. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. |
