Sixty percent

of drownings among children younger than 5 occur in home swimming pools.

Almost 75

percent of preschoolers who drowned were in the care of one or both parents

at the time of drowning and had been

out of sight for less than five minutes.

Drowning occurs

quickly and silently, so there is little to warn parents that the child

is in danger.

For every

child who dies from drowning, four are hospitalized. Near-drowning can

result in serious injuries, including brain damage.

How to keep

your children safe from drowning

Supervise children

constantly while they are in or near water whether the water is in a bathtub,

a wading pool, an ornamental fish pond, a swimming pool, a spa, the beach,

or a lake.

Remember that

young children can drown in less than two inches of water. Drowning can

happen where you,d least expect it in the sink, the toilet bowl, fountains,

buckets, inflatable pools, or puddles.

Swimming:

Caregivers should learn to swim, and if your child is older than 4 years

have him learn to swim too. But don't assume that if your child can swim

he won't drown. Always supervise your children while they are in the water,

no matter how well they swim. Fence in your pool.

Bathing:

Never leave a young child unattended in the bathroom especially while

bathing even if the child is propped up in a safety tub or bath ring.

Neighbors,

pools: Find out where the water hazards in your neighborhood are.

If your neighbors have pools make them aware you have a young child and

ask them to keep their gates locked.

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