Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the opening of outdoor pools across the United States, and balmier temperatures mean that recreational boating, swimming, and other water activities will begin to
increase. With nearly
4,000 drowning deaths in the U.S. annually, now is the time of year to
counsel families regarding safety in and around natural or man-made bodies of water.
A 2016 AFP article on “Prevention and Treatment of
Drowning” reminded readers that “[d]rowning is rarely caused by a single factor”
and “prevention strategies should not be pursued in isolation.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its policy statement on prevention of drowning, noting that the highest death rates occur in children 12 to 36 months of age, followed by adolescents age 15 to 19 years, with alcohol consumption being a leading risk factor. The AAP has created an online Drowning Prevention Toolkit that features resources for physicians and child safety advocates, including public service announcements, infographics, information for parents, and sample social media posts with the hashtag #DrowningPrevention.
The American Red Cross encourages swimming lessons and avoidance of alcohol around pools and bodies of water for persons of all ages. They further recommend fences around home pools and to “actively supervise kids whenever around the water.” There’s even a “Swim” IPhone app by the American Red Cross (also available on Google Play) that can track progress through swim lessons and includes educational games for children that reinforce water safety tips.
The American Red Cross encourages swimming lessons and avoidance of alcohol around pools and bodies of water for persons of all ages. They further recommend fences around home pools and to “actively supervise kids whenever around the water.” There’s even a “Swim” IPhone app by the American Red Cross (also available on Google Play) that can track progress through swim lessons and includes educational games for children that reinforce water safety tips.
The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds swimmers to check for pool
safety and cleanliness before getting in by ensuring that drain covers are
intact and clear of debris, along with ensuring that no cleaning chemicals or supplies are accessible. If no lifeguard is present, swimmers should familiarize
themselves with the location of first aid and rescue equipment. The CDC also discourages urinating or
defecating in a pool; all swimmers should take a break once an hour, which is
perfect for checking younger children’s diapers and encouraging older children
to take a restroom break. You can
find patient education handouts on water safety on the AFP
website and the American
Red Cross website.