Child Drownings and Swimming Pool Accidents

Larry Buckfire

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Summer is now here and swimming pools are a favorite choice to escape the hot and steamy weather. While this provides for great fun and exercise, the safety aspect of swimming is a great concern. According the the Center for Disease Control, the number of drowning deaths for children is on the rise. The majority of the deaths are at residential properties and involve infants, usually under the age of two years old.

Many of the drownings occur in inexpensive inflatable pools and others result from children falling though pool covers into the water. Like all child injury prevention, it is essential to have intense and constant supervision by parents and guardians. Children should never be left out of sight, even for a quick run into the house to answer a telephone. Fences, alarms, and other safety devices are also essential for drowning prevention.

Other than swimming pool drownings, these deaths can occur anywhere there is an accumulated water source. This includes lakes, bathtubs, and even toilets. An article called "Protecting Your Child From Drowning Hazards" has some great tips for the prevention of drowning. All parents and anyone else charged with supervising children should read this article.