Childhood Injury Prevention Handbook

Children’s of Alabama

DROWNING

Many kids are drawn to the water and only think of the fun of jumping into a pool, lake or into the ocean. Caregivers should be aware of the dangers around the water for kids of all ages. AROUND THE HOME: Empty bathtubs, buckets and collapsible swimming pools of water when they are no longer being used. Drowning can happen in even a few inches of water, and toddlers have a disproportionately large head, which makes it harder for children to get back up when they fall into water. AT THE POOL: Remove all toys from the water after each use as they can entice children to get into the water when they aren’t being monitored. For children < 5 yo, parents should be in an arm’s reach of their child when in the pool. Children between age 1-3 years old are at the highest risk of drowning and most of them (69%) drown at a time they were not supposed to be in the water. Putting multiple barriers between children and access of water is the best strategy to avoid drowning. Four-sided pool fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates has been proven to be one of the most important protections for kids against drowning. Children benefit from swim lessons starting between age 18 months and 4 years old. Until they become water competent, children should wear a US Coast Guard-approved flotation device when around the pool. Never leave an infant or toddler in a bathroom by themselves.

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