This year's first pool casualty on Long Island occurred on May 27, 2016: A 2-year-old girl drowned in her above-ground backyard pool in Brentwood.
Every year, over 3,500 fatal unintentional (non-boating related) drownings occur in the United States; NY is the 4th top-most state for drownings. That number is much too high for such preventable deaths!
Some unsettling statistics about child drownings:
Keep your children safe this summer and don't let them near pools alone! Even if a child has rudimentary skills or is wearing water wings or other inflatable devices, he or she should always be supervised! In open water, make sure a lifeguard is present and that you've checked on the day's riptide and currents warnings.
Knowledge = prevention; know how to keep your child safe, and give your child the tools to save themselves should such an accident occur. While learning to swim is a useful skill for fun and fitness, it can also save your life!
Every year, over 3,500 fatal unintentional (non-boating related) drownings occur in the United States; NY is the 4th top-most state for drownings. That number is much too high for such preventable deaths!
Some unsettling statistics about child drownings:
- Drowning is the number two leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children 14 and under, and the leading cause of death of children age 5 and under.
-American Institute of Preventive Medicine - A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone.
-U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Of all preschoolers who drown, 70% are missing from sight for five minutes or less.
-National Center for Injury Prevention and Control - For every child who drowns, four are hospitalized and 16 receive emergency department care for near drowning.
-American Academy of Pediatrics - Of preschooler pool drownings, 65% occur in the child’s home pool and 33% at the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives.
-U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Keep your children safe this summer and don't let them near pools alone! Even if a child has rudimentary skills or is wearing water wings or other inflatable devices, he or she should always be supervised! In open water, make sure a lifeguard is present and that you've checked on the day's riptide and currents warnings.
Knowledge = prevention; know how to keep your child safe, and give your child the tools to save themselves should such an accident occur. While learning to swim is a useful skill for fun and fitness, it can also save your life!