Summer's Over But Drowning Dangers Still Loom In Your Home

Sandy Grinnell

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As we prepared for hot summer days and fun in the pool last June, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) reminded parents of ways to keep their children safe from drowning around pools and lakes. Now that most pools are closed for the season, the CPSC wants parents to be aware that there are just as many drowning dangers in the home as there are outside the home .

Did you know that from 2003 to 2005, an average of 90 children under the age of 5 died each year by drowning in something other than a pool or spa? Most of those children were under the age of two and the majority of those drowned in a bathtub or bathinette. Children have even drowned in just a bucket with water in the bottom.

Inez Tenebaum, Chairman of the CPSC, says that

“What parents need to know is that anywhere there is water, there is a potential drowning hazard to children. Parents shouldn’t let their guard down; young children need constant supervision around bathtubs, bath seats and buckets.”

Since most young children are not allowed to take a bath by themselves, toddler drownings usually take place when the parent walks away for just a minute to answer the phone, go to the front door, or to get the towel that they forgot.

The CPSC has asks parents and child care workers to following these guidelines:

• Never leave young children alone, even for a moment, near any water. Young children can drown quickly in even small amounts of water.

• Always keep a young child within arm's reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take the child with you.

• Don't leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.

• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers can fall headfirst into buckets and drown. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Don’t leave buckets outside where they can collect rainwater.

• Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.