Drowning deaths and injuries are preventable
Englewood Independent
6/24/2010
Drowning deaths and injuries are preventable
Summertime is upon us and that means pool time! As we head out to our residential and neighborhood pools this summer let us ensure that our children and families remain safe.
Drowning remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between the ages of 1-14 years. There were 3,308 unintentional drownings in 2009, an average of nine per day. Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less. An estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to unintentional drowning-related incidents each year; 15 percent die in the hospital and as many as 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.
As staggering as these statistics are, please let us all remember that all drowning and drowning-related injuries are completely preventable!
Prevention Begins with supervision - Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while in the bath and all children swimming or playing in or around water. Supervisors of preschool children should provide "touch supervision", be close enough to reach the child at all times. Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, talking on the phone, or mowing the lawn) while supervising children.
Enroll children in swimming lessons - This is always a good idea, whether or not you own a pool or spa. Most children go swimming in the summertime. They need to learn the basic and proper techniques for swimming and water safety. Do not, however, let the fact that your children have had lessons give you a false sense of security. The unexpected can happen.
Always swim with a buddy - This rule goes way back, but it still holds up. It's a good rule for children and some adults who aren't accustomed to swimming or who might have health issues that could impair their ability to swim safely by themselves.
Do not use air-filled or foam toys - Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as "water wings," "noodles," or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets (personal flotation devices). These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
The YMCA has been teaching swimming lessons for all ages for over 100 years. Giving someone the life lesson of swimming can build confidence in ones self, the strength and endurance to swim safely, and can build relationships that will last a lifetime. The Coffman YMCA offers a fantastic array of swim lessons for every age and ability. We also offer other safety programs (CPR, 1st Aid, and Lifeguarding) that can ensure that all of us stay safe during our fun in the pool.
Check out class offerings at ymcaonline.org or come in and take part in one of our aquatics programs. It will change your life!
For more information about the YMCA of Greater Dayton, visit the Web site at www.ymcaonline.org.