As summer approaches, millions of Americans are spending more and more time enjoying recreational activities in and around water including boating, water skiing, and swimming. Unfortunately, with the increase in water sports and water activities also comes an increase in the number of drownings and water-related injuries.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 800 children ages 14 and under in the United States drown each year; an additional 2,700 children require emergency room treatment for water-related injuries. Statistics show that most toddlers drown in swimming pools whereas kids ages 5-14 most often drown in lakes, rivers and oceans. Drowning is the second leading cause of death among kids under 15 and the number one cause of death among children ages 1-3. A child will lose consciousness after being underwater for two minutes and will suffer irreversible brain damage within 4-6 minutes.
Surprisingly, 90% of young children who drown each year were being supervised by an adult at the time of their drowning. However, adults can become distracted, and all it takes is a second or two for adults to lose sight of the child they are watching.
Some safety tips to keep in mind while you and your loved ones enjoy water activities include the following:
- Keep children within arm’s reach and keep your eyes on them at all times.
- If your child goes missing and you live near water, check immediately to see if he/she has fallen into the water.
- Select swimming areas carefully; know your surroundings and the water depth.
- Have your child wear a bright-colored swimsuit to make him easier to find in water.
- Use safety devices such as arm floaties when appropriate; use life preservers when boating.
- Don’t depend on a lifeguard to watch your child.
- Cover backyard swimming pools when not in use.
- Keep a phone by the pool to call 911.
- Know CPR.
Drowning is usually preventable, and lives can be saved by following these suggestions.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a boating accident, please visit the website of Florida’s experienced Boating Accident Attorneys Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter.
