Drowning is second only to transportation
injuries as a cause of unintentional injury death for children and
adolescents.
Drowning death rates peak at 1 to 2 years of age and again in older
adolescence.
Most toddler and preschooler drownings occur when a briefly unattended
child falls into a body of water. Toddlers can drown in any amount of
water that is deep enough to cover the nose and mouth: diaper pail, toilet
bowl, large bucket and bath tub.
Drownings are more likely to occur on the weekend and during the warm
months.
Alcohol is involved in many adolescent drownings.
Body surfing is associated with spinal cord injuries.
Diving where the water depth is inadequate causes spinal cord injuries.
Prevention
- Children should NOT play in or near water without supervision.
(Constant visual contact by an adult who has not been drinking
alcoholic beverages).
- Place a 4-sided fence (unbreakable) around backyard pools.
- Ensure that all pool and spa drains are properly grated.
- Only permit swimming / boating in designated areas.
- Encourage wearing personal floatation devices when in/or near water.
- Swimming lessons when children are of appropriate age.
