Keep Kids Safe from Drowning!

Topic:

Water Safety

Drowning happens when you least expect it!

In Florida, drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable death in children 1-4 years of age. To reduce the risk of drowning, use multiple layers of protection and restrict unsupervised access to water such as:

Pools
Hot tubs
Canals
Ponds
Ditches
Bathtubs
Toilets
and more!

Layers of protection include:

Supervise
- Proper supervision is the most effective drowning prevention
  - Know your surroundings and possible drowning risks to your child at home and when traveling.
  - Ensure young children are always supervised by a trusted caregiver.
  - Assign a Water Watcher and use touch-supervision.
  - Never leave a child alone near water, even for a second.
Barriers and Alarms
- Use barriers to water access
  - Install and maintain 4-foot pool fencing and self-closing, well-latching gates and doors.
  - Secure and lock all doors, windows, and pet doors.
  - Install door chimes or alarms.
  - Routinely check for needed repairs to fencing, gates, and barriers.
Swim Safety
- - Seconds count! CPR training saves lives.
  - Water survival skills training and swim lessons can help reduce drowning risk for children between the ages of 1-4.
  - By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons.
  - Swim lessons are not a replacement for supervision.
  - Make a family drowning prevention plan and ensure all family members know how to swim.
Did you know?
- While most child drowning incidents occur in a pool, nearly 70% of those children were not expected to be in the pool at that time.
- Distracted caregivers are a primary factor in child drowning incidents.
- Most drowning happens without a sound.
- Drowning incidents are preventable.