Drowning is a leading cause of death for children in the United States. Here are some reminders from the Strongsville Fire Department:
- Ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and on average 2 of them are under age 14.
- Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages one to four than any other cause except birth defects
- Drowning is the leading cause of death in autism for children and adults.
- Children with autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their typically developing peers.
- For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. (click on link for more statistics)
- Among those 1-14 years old, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes.
- Those 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as a pond or lake, where 87% drownings in children 1–4 happen in swimming pools.
- After pools, bathtubs are the second leading location where young children drown. However, buckets, bath seats, wells, cisterns, septic tanks, decorative ponds, and toilets are also potential drowning sources for infants and toddlers.
How can you protect your family? The American Red Cross suggests:
• Provide close and constant attention to children
you are supervising in or near water.
• Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers,
including four-sided fencing.
• Learn swimming and water-safety survival skills.
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters
should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Always swim in a lifeguarded area.