Drowning Prevention: Tips for parents
UPDATED 2:06 p.m.
The drowning death of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham's 2-year-old son is a sad reminder of how dangerous water can be for children.
In fact, the drowning fatality rate for boys ages 1 to 2 is high: 4 or 5 per 100,000, according to Sue Baker, a professor in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. For girls in that age group, the fatality rate is cut in half, Baker says.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently revised its previous recommendation against swimming lessons for children under 4, saying parents should decide whether to enroll their children in classes. The group recommends swimming lessons for children 4 years old and older.
Baker says parents also should keep these tips in mind if you have small children.
Consider learning CPR. Baker tells the story of her brother-in-law, who took a Red Cross course, knowing he was going to spend part of the summer near a lake with his grandson. He ended up saving the life of his 2-year-old grandson, who fell into the lake when nobody was looking. "It was a long time ago, but it's vivid in my memory."
Make sure there is a lifeguard or adult supervision when children are around water, whether it be a pool, hot tub or any standing water. "Water doesn't have to be very deep for the worst to happen."
Childproof your pool, hot tubs, spas. Fence the pool area to prevent access and make sure it's high enough so that climbing is impossible.
Here are some additional tips for lake and beach safety in time for July 4th weekend, thanks to Infant Swimming Resource:
Dress your child in bright colors when going to the lake or the beach. Use a consistent color and style of swim suit so all family members know what the child is wearing.
Carry a picture of your child in the consistent outfit to show a lifeguard or others.
Have a hook, rope and throw ring attached to the dock so that they can be used at a moment's notice.
Have the child wear a life jacket in a boat or around the water when there is the potential for an accidental submersion. But, life jackets are not a substitute for the ability to swim or for adult supervision.
Flotation devices can provide a false sense of security for parents and children. These items can easily deflate or fall off your child's arm.
Comments
And please remember.. it takes 3 alcohol infused adults to watch one child under 10. That's how kids end up going unnoticed in the bottom of the pool at a party.
Posted by: Baltimocker | July 1, 2010 4:34 PM
Remember, more people die from drownings each year than nonmelanoma skin cancer!
That's right folks!
2500 per year from nonmelanoma skin cancers and 3400 from drownings.
Yes, nonmelanoma skin cancer deaths arethat rare!
Posted by: CLS | July 2, 2010 8:49 AM
Detecting drowning is very difficult even with well-trained lifeguards & diligent parents. It occurs quickly, silently & often without unusual motion. About 90% of events with children happen with supervision present.
A 2006 drowning at our town's park (despite 5 lifeguards) inspired us to form a company and develop the Wahooo Swim Monitor System (WahoooSMS.com), which we just launched. It's affordable, reliable, and practical.
With a Wahooo System in place, this event would never of happened.
Posted by: Dave Cutler | July 14, 2010 9:12 AM