Water Safety

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury in children. Children 1 to 4 years old are the most vulnerable age group to die of drowning. Minority children are most vulnerable to these types of injuries and fatalities, and their rate of a fatal unintentional drowning injury is significantly higher than that of their white peers The factors that have caused this racial disparity include minority children’s lack of access to swimming pools, lack of availability and promotion of swimming lessons, and lack of participation in water-related recreational activities. This population’s vulnerability increases when exposed to unsupervised bodies of water. For every childhood drowning death there are 5 children who will be hospitalized for submersion injuries. Severe submersion injuries can result in brain injuries that have long-term consequences, including learning difficulties and permanent loss of basic functioning.

Lack of protection, preparation, and prevention increases the risk of drowning. Children aged 1 to 4 years are most likely to drown in home swimming pools. Pool owners should protect this area by removing toys, floats, and games around the deck that might be attractive to unsupervised young children. There is strong evidence that proper pool barriers prevent accidental access by young children. Swimming pools should be surrounded by isolated fences (all 4 sides) that are dynamic and secure. The fence should be at least 4 feet high, gates should be self-latching and face outward, and latches should be out of …