Drowning consistently remains the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years of age, and among the top-five leading causes for those under the age of 18 years, both in Orange County and California. Each year, near drowning incidents also result in life-long disabilities.
Drowning consistently remains the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years of age, and among the top-five leading causes for those under the age of 18 years, both in Orange County and California. Each year, near drowning incidents also result in life-long disabilities.
Drowning is preventable. Young children are more at risk and can drown in any body of water, including a bucket, bathtub, sink, pool or spa.
Drowning Prevention is most effective with a “layers of protection” approach:
· Never leave a child alone near water, even for a few seconds.
· A supervising adult should be close enough to touch the child under 4 years old near water.
· Keep a constant adult eye on young children of all ages.
· All collections of water are dangerous for infants and toddlers, including bathtubs, buckets, toilets, ponds, spas, swimming pools, and natural water sites.
· Swimming pools should have fences, alarms, and drains that meet regulations.
· Pool gates should be self-latching, opening outward, with the latch out-of-reach for a child.
· Keep reaching and throwing aids near a swimming pool.
· All children should wear a personal floatation device while playing near bodies of water.
· Parents and child caregivers should know how to perform rescue techniques and strategies to respond in an emergency.
· If a child is missing, check the pool first.
For more information on helpful tips and other ways that you can prevent drowning, visit Drowning Prevention OC.
Orange County Drowning Prevention Task Force
Orange County Fire Authority
