Drowning is a Leading Cause of Death for Children
Safe Kids Northeast Florida/Wolfson Offers Pool and Spa Safety Tips; Host Water Safety Fair

Jacksonville, Florida, April 25, 2007 -- Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under five in the state of Florida, and the number-two cause of accidental injury death for children ages 14 and under across the United States. Every year in the U.S., about 280 toddlers drown in residential swimming pools; overall, approximately 760 children ages 14 and under die from accidental drowning, and an estimated 3,000 go to the emergency room after near-drowning incidents.

"Kids drown quickly and quietly," says Cynthia Dennis, RN, coordinator of Safe Kids Northeast Florida/Wolfson Children's Hospital. "A drowning child cannot cry or shout for help. If a child is missing, always check the pool first -- there's no time to spare."

Even a near-drowning incident can have lifelong consequences. Kids who survive near-drowning may have brain damage; after four to six minutes under water, the damage is usually irreversible.

"The most important precaution is active supervision. Simply being near your child is not necessarily supervising," says Dennis. Although 94 percent of parents say they supervise their children while swimming, many acknowledge that they engage in other distracting activities at the same time -- for example, talking, eating, reading or taking care of another child.

"A supervised child is in sight at all times with your undivided attention focused on the child," explains Dennis. When there are children in or near the water, adults should take turns serving as the designated "Water Watcher," paying undivided attention. A water watcher tag can help parents supervise their children, and this year Kohl's is sponsoring a program to help make the tags available at each of its area stores and other locations throughout the community. Visit the Water Watcher Checklist for important tips.

Safe Kids Northeast Florida and Wolfson Children's Hospital recommend these precautions:

If you have a pool or spa, or if your child visits a home that has a pool or spa, it should be surrounded on all four sides by a fence at least five feet high with gates that close and latch automatically. Studies estimate that this type of isolation fencing could prevent 50 to 90 percent of child drownings in residential pools.

A pool or spa with a single drain should be equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover and a safety vacuum release system to prevent children from being caught in the suction of the drain. The powerful suction forces can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries.

Don't leave toys in or near the pool, where they could attract unsupervised kids. For extra protection, consider a pool alarm and alarms on the doors, windows and gates leading to the pool.

Enroll your kids in swimming lessons around age four, but don't assume swimming lessons make your child "drownproof." There is no substitute for active supervision.

Remember: inflatable swimming aids such as "water wings" are not flotation devices and do not prevent drowning.

Learn infant and child CPR. In less than two hours, you can learn effective interventions that can give a fighting chance to a child whose breathing and heartbeat have stopped. For infant/child CPR classes near you, contact Baptist Health at 904.202.BABY.

Keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers by the pool.

These guidelines apply to inflatable and portable pools, not just in-ground pools. A child can drown in just an inch of water. Kiddie pools should be emptied and stored out of reach when not in use.

In recognition of National Safe Kids Week 2007, "Make It a Safe Kids Summer," Safe Kids Northeast Florida, Wolfson Children's Hospital, and Kohl's are hosting the "Family Water Safety Fair" at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens” on Saturday, April 28, from 11 am until 3 pm. There will be exhibits by community experts, costumed characters, games, giveaways and prizes for adults and children. For more information on this activity and information about drowning and water safety, visit the Safe Kids Northeast Florida Water Safety Web page.