Every year in the U.S., there are an estimated 4,000 deaths from unintentional drownings. Sadly, about 900 of those are children. Recently, in the Gulf Coast, there was a 1-year-old who nearly drowned in Estero, and an 11-year-old drowned on a beach in Bonita Springs. That's why May, being National Water Safety Month, is important.
Tina Fleming, an injury prevention educator with Lee Health, joined Gulf Coast News to explain what parents can do to help prevent drownings.
Drownings are a leading cause of unintentional death for children in the U.S., particularly those ages 1-4. For children ages 5-14, it's the second leading cause of unintentional injury death. Drownings happen quickly, quietly and can happen to anyone. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging.
So, what can you do to help prevent drownings? There are five layers of protection:
- Barriers and alarms to make it harder for kids to access the pool when someone isn’t around
- Close, constant and capable supervision
- Water competency survival skills
- Life jackets and emergency preparation
- Make sure kids are never swimming alone and designate a water watcher
Also, use a life jacket when playing water sports, while out on a boat or swimming in a lake, the Gulf, or other body of water. There are life jacket loaner stations available to borrow a life jacket, if needed, located throughout the Gulf Coast.
Parents can also enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development and how often they are around water. 911 should always be called if there is a drowning, but administering CPR can help save valuable time until help arrives. Hands-only CPR is effective at keeping oxygenated blood circulating to the brain to help preserve neurological function until EMS can get there. CPR classes are offered at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
For more information, please visit Lee Health online.
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