Childhood drowning and near-drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. They typically occur when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse of supervision. In 2001, 859 children ages 14 and under drowned. For every child that drowns, an additional three receive emergency room treatment for unintentional drowning-related incidents. Severe and permanent brain damage affects as many as 20 percent of near-drowning victims.

When on a boat, everyone needs a seat and his or her own PFD (personal flotation device). Air-filled swimming aids such as inner tubes, water wings, and inflatable rafts are not substitutes for approved PFDs. Children using air-filled swimming aids should always be supervised by an adult within arms reach.

Children should always swim with a grown-up. Every child over the age of three should have swimming lessons. It is important for children to learn and practice water safety rules.

• Drowning can occur during swimming, boating, hunting and fishing, and even while taking a bath. In 2001, 859 children ages 14 and under drowned and nearly 2,700 required emergency room treatment for unintentional drowning-related.
• Approximately 10% of childhood drowning take place in bathtubs; the majority of these happen in the absence of adult supervision. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water and are therefore at risk of drowning in wading pools, bathtubs, buckets, diaper pails, toilets, spas and hot tubs.
• Approximately 70% of deaths associated with boating incidents are from drowning. Most incidents involve people who don't expect to end up in the water, but fall overboard or end up in the water when the boat sank. Children are particularly susceptible to this problem.
  

Safety Tips
LEARN TO SWIM

• Always swim with a buddy; never alone.
• Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Read/obey all posted signs at pools and lakes.
• Children or inexperienced swimmers should wear personal flotation devices and stay in water less than chest deep.
• Be aware of the area you are in, such as water depth, obstructions, and entry/exit locations.
• Avoid the water when you are too hot, too cold, too tired, too far from safety or have had too much sun.
• Be aware of the weather conditions; stop swimming at the first sign of bad weather.
• Enter water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving.
• Never mix alcohol with water recreation.
• Protect your skin; limit your amount of direct sunlight and wear a sun screen with a sun protection factor with a high rating, such as 15.

BEACH SAFETY

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid staying in the sun for extended periods of time and watch for signs of heat stroke.
• Heat stroke symptoms include hot, red and dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Wear foot protection.

BOATING

• Wear Coast-Guard approved lift jackets at all times.
• Do not use alcohol; alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and balance.
• Develop a “float” plan – give a responsible party information about where you will be and how long you will be gone.
• Take a boating course.
• Watch the weather.

LAKES

• Swim in approved designated areas.
• Select a clean area that is well maintained.
• Do not enter water headfirst without knowing the possible obstructions; do not swim in murky water.
• Be sure docks and rafts are in good condition.
• Avoid drainage ditches.

POOLS

• Never leave a child unattended.
• Keep a phone nearby to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• Learn CPR; post CPR instructions near the pool.
• Enclose pool area completely with a self-closing, self-locking fence.
• Keep basic lifesaving equipment (pole, ropes, and floatation devices) near the pool.
• Keep toys away from pool area when not in use.
• Always remove pool covers completely before use.
• Check the pool first if a child is missing; check the entire pool.