Drowning Prevention

The Importance of Water Safety: Understanding the Risks


Statistics on Drowning:

  • Every day, roughly 10 people die from unintentional drownings not related to boating. This totals about 3,500 deaths annually from drowning alone.
  • Drowning incidents claim the lives of children too, with two daily fatalities being children aged 14 or younger.
  • Drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.


Drowning Facts and Figures:

  • A child under the age of five is significantly more likely to drown than to die in a car accident.
  • The vast majority of preschoolers who drown were under the supervision of at least one parent, with 88% of these incidents occurring with an adult present.


Key Water Safety Tips


General Safety Measures:

  • Enroll in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors.
  • Always swim with a buddy and ensure that there is a knowledgeable adult supervising who is familiar with CPR, First Aid, and rescue techniques.


Pool Rules:

  • Prohibit glass containers and running near the pool, and only allow diving in designated areas.
  • Avoid eating or chewing gum while swimming, and use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating.


Emergency Response:

  • Use a flotation device to assist someone in trouble.
  • Clear the pool and deck at the first signs of thunder or lightning.


The Safer Three: A Comprehensive Safety Approach


Safer Water:

  • Secure pools with proper fencing, gates, gate latches, and alarms.

Safer Kids:

  • Maintain constant adult supervision and continue swimming education starting from as early as six months.

Safer Response:

  • Acquire skills in CPR, first aid, and rescue operations. Always keep an emergency plan ready and a phone nearby.


What To Do In An Emergency

  • Call for help loudly and ensure it's safe before assisting.
  • If a child is involved, carefully move them onto the deck.
  • Check for consciousness and breathing, and begin rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
  • Dial 9-1-1 immediately if others are present or after one minute if alone.


Preventive Measures and Early Education

Early swimming lessons and knowledge of water safety fundamentals can greatly reduce drowning risks. Parents and guardians must take an active role in educating their children about water safety.


Additional Resources

For further details on water safety and drowning prevention, resources such as the American Red Cross and Swim for Life websites offer comprehensive guidance.

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