Watch out for kids around water. Whether the water is in a puddle, a bucket, a bathtub, a wading pool, your neighbor’s pool or the ocean, watch out for kids around water. Water is a “kid magnet.” It attracts and entertains. But watch out for kids around water. Water is the second leading cause of injury-related deaths in children 14 and younger. Drowning is quick and quiet. Swimmers and non-swimmers drown, babies and teenagers drown. Watch out for kids around water. No exceptions! No excuses! No regrets!

The Size of the Problem Nationwide

• Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of death for children 14 and younger.
• For children under age 1, more than half of the drownings occur in the bathtub. Children this age also drown in toilets and buckets.
• For children ages 1 to 4, swimming pools account for 9 out of 10 drownings.
• For children ages 5 to 14, swimming pools and open water, such as lakes and rivers, account for most drownings.
• Among adolescent boys, alcohol is the major contributing factor in half of the drownings.
• When drownings and near-drownings in the United States are averaged over an entire year, 40 children die each week, 115 are hospitalized, and 12 suffer severe brain damage. The cost of care for a near-drowning victim with brain damage can be more than $4.5 million.

Source: National SAFE KIDS Campaign

Useful Info: Facts About Drowning

Drownings and near-drownings typically occur when a child is left unsupervised for a brief period of time. Most children who drown in home swimming pools were inside the house when last seen by the parents and had been out of the parents’ sight for less than five minutes.

Most people are unaware that children may not make noise or splash frantically when they get into trouble in the water. Drowning frequently happens quickly and silently. Two minutes after a child goes under water, the child becomes unconscious. After four to six minutes, brain damage is likely.

Children who are discovered within the first several minutes have the highest rate of survival. Most children found after 10 minutes and who require CPR for longer than 25 minutes do not survive.

Source: National SAFE KIDS Campaign

Healthy Habits: Be Ready to Rescue

If you own a pool, live near a pond, lake or river, or love water sports, you should know CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Your training should include rescue techniques for both adults and children. Courses are available through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, your local hospital and fire department.

In case of an emergency, you should also have written CPR instructions and rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook, safety ring and rope, nearby. A telephone to call for help should also be available.

Health Alert: Swimming Lessons

Formal swimming lessons are not recommended for children until after their 4th birthday. Swimming requires developmental abilities that children under 4 do not yet have. The American Academy of Pediatrics also warns parents that children younger than 4 are at risk of swallowing too much water or picking up infection from dirty water.

Even after swimming lessons, parents should never assume a child is safe in water. A child who accidentally swims into deep water may get confused, then panic and drown. Children need to be watched at all times in the water. Children should never swim alone.

Safety Habits: Protect Your Child from Drowning

Water safety tips for children under 1:

• Empty all buckets and any other large containers after use.
• Keep the bathroom door closed at all times.
• Never leave a child alone in the bathroom.
• Keep toilets closed or use toilet latches.
• Use a rigid, lockable cover on a hot tub, spa, or whirlpool.
• In addition, follow the safety tips listed below.

Water safety tips for all children:

• Children in the water should be supervised at all times.
• Empty wading pools after each use.
• Inflatable pool toys should never be used to keep a child afloat.
• Never allow running or pushing in pool areas.
• Children should never swim alone.
• Do not allow children to chew gum or eat while swimming, diving, or playing in the water.
• Do not allow diving if there is more than one person on the board.
• Never dive into an above-ground pool.
• Never swim during thunder or lightning.
• Young children should always wear a life jacket while in a boat or playing around water.
• Children 4 and older should be enrolled in swimming classes taught by an accredited instructor.
• Teach teenagers about the dangers of drinking alcohol and swimming, boating, or water skiing.

Source: National SAFE KIDS Campaign