Hundreds of children die each year from drowning, but these tragic deaths could be prevented. Being aware of your environment and learning water safety can help save lives. Learn more tips from one of our pediatricians.
Drowning can happen silently and suddenly. It is a tragic accident, particularly if a child is involved. Unfortunately, it is the number one cause of death, after birth defects, for children ages one to four. In addition, about 136 children ages five to nine and 370 children and teens ages 10-19 drown each year. Drowning can occur in as little as one to two inches of water! Dr. Esther Liu, Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, gives simple steps every adult can take to help prevent a child from drowning.
Bathtub Safety
New parents and babysitters of infants, crawlers and toddlers should stay within arm’s reach any time the child is near water, including bathtubs. Never leave small children alone in the tub – even if they are on a bath ring or bath seat. These will not keep the baby safe from drowning. An adult, not another child, should watch the infant at all times. Always empty the tub after a bath. It is also important to keep bathroom doors latched with a doorknob cover, and it is a good idea to install a latch on toilets to keep small children safer in the home.
Pool Safety
Wading pools are another possible danger. Closely watch all children when they are in or near a wading pool. Empty the pool completely after each use.
Swimming pools are a great way to cool off in the hot summer weather. It is important to keep small children in a Coast Guard approved life jacket until they are old enough to swim on their own. Floaties will not save a child from drowning. Additionally, small children should always be within arms-length or held. If an older child does not know how to swim well, they should also wear a life jacket when in or near water.
Water Safety
It is critical that every child know how to swim and learn water safety. Start swim lessons as soon as possible. Many swim schools have programs for parents and infants up through teens or older. Find these programs at local swim schools, recreation centers, park districts or summer camps. Another important tool is to get ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) instruction. This program gives children the ability to be “aquatic problem solvers,” teaching them safety and the ability to avoid or survive an aquatic accident. ISR is not just for infants and toddlers – it is a program that can benefit children of all ages.
Lakes and rivers are a common site of teen drowning. Make sure there is an adult supervising at all times. The child/teen should always wear a life jacket and not rely on an inflatable raft or life preserver. Teach them to identify riptides and hidden obstacles. Always choose safe places to swim.
Water Watchers
Children of all ages must be supervised when in or near water. Assign a “water watcher” and take turns with other adults to prevent fatigue. This person must pay constant attention to all children near or in the water. Water watchers should put down their cell phones, avoid other activities and supervise even if there are lifeguards present. It is also beneficial to know CPR in case of emergency.
Water Sources
For children who can walk or wander, it is important to watch them closely if they are near a well, open posthole or irrigation or drainage ditch. Infants and toddlers should not have access to a bucket of water either. Surround swimming pools, whether in ground or above ground, on all four sides by a four-foot tall fence that cannot be climbed with a self-latching lock that opens outward. In addition, use safety gates or lock the door to the yard to prevent children from wandering out of the house unnoticed. If a child goes missing, always check areas of water first.
The first step to saving a child from drowning is awareness of the environment, then take these precautions to help prevent tragedy from happening.
