Childhood
Drownings and Near Drownings
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each
year approximately 4,000 people drown in the United States, including
almost 1,000 children younger than 15 years of age.
Childhood drownings and near-drownings often occur when a child
is left alone, even for a few seconds. Pool submersions involving
children happen quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes
to answer a phone. Seventy-seven percent of the victims had been
missing from sight for 5 minutes or less.
Most safety organizations agree: The primary element in preventing
pool and beach incidents of any kind is constant supervision. However,
even with supervision, problems can still occur. Most children who
drown in pools were in the care of an adult at the time, according
to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
For more information, you can contact the Injury Prevention
and Control Program at 617-624-5070 or visit the websites listed
below:
Some links for tips and information on staying safe around the
water:
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