According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “about one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.” Sadly, children are at highest risk of swimming pool injuries or death from drowning. The most vulnerable age group includes children 1 to 4 years old. Tragically, most drowning incidents involving children of this age group occur in private pools. According to the CDC, “drowning is responsible for more deaths among children [aged 1 to 4] than any other cause except congenital anomalies (birth defects).” For children ages 1 to 14, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related fatality — only second to car accidents. Here is some information for parents to reduce the risk of unintentional drowning.
The common causes of swimming pool injuries:
- Lack of adequate fencing and barriers - Often, young children can access pools without their parent’s knowledge. A four-sided barrier around a private home pool significantly reduces a child’s risk of drowning.
- Inability to swim - Swimming is a skill that must be taught through proper training. Research has shown that teaching young children to swim early reduces their risk of drowning.
- Absence of close adult supervision - Even with the presence of a lifeguard, drowning can still occur. Parents need to watch their children whenever water is involved closely.
- Location - Swimming in the choppy ocean is a much different experience than swimming in a calm pool. Swimmers of all ages must be adequately prepared to swim in different settings.
- Not wearing a life jacket - Using a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death in many situations. Parents must ensure their young child is fitted with the appropriate preventative gear.
- Alcohol use - Alcohol can negatively impact judgment, motor control, and reaction time. Often, it is a factor in a high number of drowning incidents.
- Seizures - The most common drowning risk for children with seizure disorders isn’t a pool at all — it’s a bathtub. This is why it is important for parents to closely supervise their children any time water is involved in an activity.